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Bibiano Fernandes was considered the best bantamweight in ONE Championship for a long time. With the record for the longest title reign and most defenses, ‘The Flash’ has left a legacy in his division.
However, since losing his world championship earlier this year, there are a new set of contenders who are trying to prove that there has been a changing of the guard. One of those up-and-coming bantamweights is ‘Wonder Boy’ Fabricio Andrade.
Undefeated in ONE Championship, Andrade was seemingly moments away from becoming the new face of the bantamweight division until he landed a knee to the groin of John Lineker, which ended the fight in a no contest.
Now claiming to be the best in the division after an impressive display against Lineker, Bibiano Fernandes had a thing or two to say about Andrade’s position at bantamweight.
Speaking to ONE Championship, ‘The Flash’ remarked:
“If he's the best, he should have the belt. If he doesn't have the belt today, it's because he landed an illegal move. I think he needs to go there, win the belt, and then say he's the best bantamweight in ONE.”
At ONE on Prime Video 4, Bibiano Fernandes gets the opportunity to put himself right back into the frame with John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade. The 42-year old will take on rising contender Stephen Loman, with a point to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank.
Their match and more will be broadcast live and for free at Amazon Prime Video for all active subscribers across North America in US primetime on November 18.
“Fabricio was better in the fight” - Bibiano Fernandes praises Fabricio Andrade’s performance against John Lineker
Former ONE bantamweight world champion Bibiano Fernandes had to watch on at ONE on Prime Video 3 as the belt he held for so long was put on the line. One of the fighters involved in an incredibly rare ONE bantamweight world title fight that didn’t feature Fernandes managed to impress ‘The Flash’.
With Fernandes taking some time off after losing his title in March, the belt was contested between John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade. As the two Brazilians put on a show, Fernandes came away impressed with ‘Wonder Boy’ Andrade, who has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in ONE Championship.
Speaking to The MMA Superfan, Fernandes said:
“Fabricio is very long. He throws that left hand really well. The timing he has is pretty good. It was a good fight. John Lineker tried his best but Fabricio was better in the fight until the time he hit the [low blow].”
Watch the full interview below:
