One bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes became a free agent after his successful title defense against Reece McLaren at ONE Championship: Age of Domination last December.
It would appear that the fighter, undefeated in the ONE promotion, has decided to revitalize his contract with company.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, “The Flash” said
“I’m in this fighting business for a long time, and I will stop fighting soon. That’s the truth. If I stop fighting, I have to think about my future and my kids’ future. Thinking long term, it was the best decision I made. And ONE still has a lot of challenges for me as well.”
While Fernandes received offers from Bellator and Rizin, “The Flash” admitted that the post-fight position offered by ONE really sealed the deal.
“After I stop fighting, I’ll be an ambassador for ONE Championship and I’ll be able to help a lot of talented people. People fight their entire lives and when it’s over he has nothing? I’ll continue in the sport, training, helping other people, and that made the difference for me. I believe it was the best decision.”
Bellator apparently came close to snagging the 12 fight win streak star from ONE, but ultimately could not close the distance.
“M-1 and Rizin reached out to me, but the one that tried hard to sign me was Bellator. They tried really hard. But I’m a professional fighter and have to think longterm, and longterm the best option was from ONE. Bellator came close, they made a great offer, but ONE made a better one and I decided to stay.”
Fernandes is riding a nine fight win streak within the ONE promotion. His most recent victory was a split decision win over Reece McLaren at ONE Championship: Age of Domination last December.
