Bibiano Fernandes is likely to finish his career under the ONE Championship banner after a recent experiment with free agency saw him land back in the organization where he currently rules as bantamweight champion.

Fernandes (20-3) finished his ONE Championship contract in December when he earned a split-decision victory over Reece McLaren at ONE Championship 50 for his fifth consecutive 135-pound title defense.

The Brazilian explored options and fielded offers from multiple fight promotions, including the UFC, Bellator, Rizin FF and M-1. He said Bellator’s offer was the most attractive of the outside suitors, but in the end ONE Championship officials showed him how much they wanted him to stay put, he said.

“Bellator was the closest one,” Fernandes told MMAjunkie Radio. “Yes (more than the UFC). Bellator is the closest one. I almost signed with Bellator, but sorry guys – I still have some business to fill in ONE. ONE is the big organization, the best in the world.”

Fernandes has been part of the ONE Championship roster since his promotional debut in August 2012. He’s 8-0 with the promotion and has won a remarkable 19 of his past 20 fights overall. With Fernandes No. 5 fighter in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA bantamweight ranking, there’s been interest in seeing how Fernandes would fare against other top 135-pounders in the UFC or Bellator. Those hopes, however, seem likely to go unfulfilled.

Despite multiple offers, Fernandes went with what he felt was the best move for the security of his family.

“Three day after I was free and a lot of people come for me and try to make a deal – I said, ‘Slow down a little bit. I have to think about myself and think about my future and my kids,'” Fernandes said. “I have three kids. I wanted to stay with ONE. It’s a very good organization. I’ve been with them for a long time already, and I’m 36 now. I think the best thing for me is to stay.”

Fernandes is expected to make his return to the ONE Championship ring in April or May against an undetermined opponent.

For more on the ONE Championship schedule, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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