Bibiano Fernandes: We are prepared for the fight. What happens now will be fate
ONE Championship featherweight champion Bibiano Fernandes will finally get the opportunity to defend his title against the challenger, John Lineker this Friday in Singapore.
Lineker was originally scheduled to challenge Fernandes in December 2021 but the event was postponed as COVID-19 cases began to skyrocket. The contest was then rebooked for February 2022 and it was Lineker who has to pull from the title fight after he tested positive for coronavirus himself.
When asked if the extra time off benefits him or Lineker more, Fernandes responded:
“What he had to train, he has already trained. What I had to train, I have already trained. We are prepared for the fight. What happens now will be fate. In my opinion, the extra time now won’t make a difference to anyone.”
When asked if the four-week delay affected Fernandes, causing him to peak too early or if he was able to maintain prime physical condition, the champion said he had no issue.
“I can definitely keep up,” Fernandes said. “But that depends on each athlete and their understanding of competition. I’m well prepared, I’m 100%, I’m at the peak of my physical and mental condition.
The March 11 fight card takes place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Fernandes vs. Lineker serves as the fight card’s co main event. A lightweight title bout between champion Thanh Le and challenger Garry Tonon headlines the card.
ONE: Lights Out fight card:
Thanh Le vs. Garry Tonon – 155 lbs
Bibiano Fernandes vs. John Lineker – 145 lbs
Martin Nguyen vs. Kiril Gorobets – 155 lbs
Ismael Londt vs. Iraj Azizpour – 265 lbs
Alex Silva vs. Adrian Mattheis – 125 lbs
Josh Tonna vs. Peimian Zhang – 125 lbs
Eko Roni Saputra vs. Chan Rothana – 135 lbs
Iman Barlow vs. Daniela López – 125 lbs
Liam Nolan vs. Kim Kyung Lock – 174 lbs
Heqin Lin vs. Milagros Lopez – 125 lbs
