Fernandes has signed a new deal with ONE Championship (Picture: ONE Championship)

Until recently, Bibiano Fernandes was a free agent in high-demand, but having signed a new deal with ONE Championship, he’s now fully focused on cementing his legacy as one of the greatest bantamweights of all time.

Fernandes, 36, has a professional record of 20-3 and has held the ONE Championship bantamweight world championship since October 2013 when he defeated Soo Chul Kim at ONE: Total Domination to unify the titles.

Since then, the Brazilian has gone on to defend the belt five times with wins over Masakatsu Ueda, Dae Hwan Kim, Toni Tauru, Kevin Belingon and Reece McLaren solidifying him as one of ONE’s most decorated champions ever.

With a new deal now signed, Fernandes is looking forward to the future.




Speaking to Metro.co.uk in Las Vegas last week, Fernandes explained why he re-signed for ONE and when we could expect to see him back in the cage.

‘I’m very happy to have signed my new deal and I’ve done what is right for my future,’ Fernandes said.

Bayern Munich confirm Thiago Alcantara will join Liverpool

‘ONE have always treated me very well and the deal they gave me secured not only my future now, but also for the years to come as I will take up a position in the organization after I’ve done fighting.

‘The role will see me look across the world for new talent to bring into ONE.

‘I’ve not yet heard when my next fight will be, but I’m looking forward to getting back into the cage soon and proving that I’m one of the best at 135 [pounds] in the world—I’ll take on any challengers they put in front of me.’

With his immediate and long-term future now secure, Fernandes can look forward to an exciting future in Asia’s premiere promotion as they continue to expand and introduce their product to new territories.

While ONE’s main focus remains on dominating the Asian MMA market, Fernandes suggested that the promotion had one eye on putting on an event in his homeland of Brazil.

‘I hear we [ONE Championship] may be going to Brazil,’ Fernandes said.

‘If we really do go to Brazil I think I would really enjoy fighting in Brazil too—I think it would be very good for me to fight there.

Bibiano Fernandes Full Profile Name: Bibiano Fernandes

Bibiano Fernandes MMA Record: 20-3-0 (Win-Loss-Draw)

20-3-0 (Win-Loss-Draw) Nickname: The Flash

The Flash Current Streak: 12 Wins

12 Wins Age: 36 | Date of Birth: 1980.03.30

36 1980.03.30 Weight Class: Bantamweight

‘But I’m a fighter, wherever they go I will enjoy and I will happily fight there.’

‘I’ve heard a little bit that they might go to Brazil, but not 100%, but that would be incredibly exciting for me fight there.’

Fernandes also spoke about his relationship with training partner Demetrious Johnson.

Johnson is the current flyweight champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and considered by many to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

The Brazilian explained how their relationship developed and why he believes they work so well together.

‘I met DJ like seven years ago,’ Fernandes said.

‘I met DJ when he fought Dominick Cruz that time, his coach asked me to come and help him.



‘The type of help I give him from then until now, there has been nobody better.’

‘I think he’s a good benefit for me, especially my ground game, the wrestling, jiu-jitsu and my stand up.

‘He’s helped me out a lot and I think it’s a very good combination.’

MORE: Whiteford insists he has sent message to UFC

MORE: Mayweather says he is coming out of retirement to fight McGregor