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Confidence and the ability to back it up--these are two key attributes of the best fighters in the world and ONE Championship's bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes has both in spades.



Just another day in the office

This Friday, the Brazilian meets Reece McLaren in the co-main event of ONE: Age of Domination, and while his title may be on the line, Fernandes is thinking about one thing and one thing only--himself.



"Defending my belt is just another day in the office," Fernandes said. "I have a lot of experience fighting, and I don't worry a lot about my title defense. I only worry about myself. I worry about getting in shape, keeping focused, be strong, stay healthy, that's what in my mind now.



"It's very important to have focus and have good people with you. Stay healthy, stay focused, keep moving forward every day, that's the big thing for me. If I'm still healthy, I want to keep training and keep moving forward. I can be champion for a long time. F*** if I want, I can be the champion forever. I like the challenge. I can fight with anyone. For me, fighting is my life… When I think about fighting, I think about myself. When I think about defending my title, I think about my life."



The value of being a champion

That's not to say that Fernandes doesn't value being the ONE Championship bantamweight champion. Holding the belt is also important to him, and he will do everything he can to defend it.



"A lot of people when they reach a different level lose their focus," Fernandes said. "They think because they're a champion they can enjoy their life or slack off. I don't think like that. I think I can be better today. I can be better tomorrow. I can be better the next day. I'm going to give my best-- I'm going to give 100 percent that I have until I die.



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"I see a lot of guys who when they win the belt say it's just a piece of metal. For me it's not, it's different. That piece of metal allowed me to meet you. That belt built my family. That belt built who I am. That's why I respect having the belt. Every belt is important. It doesn't matter what organization--Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, or whatever."



Being the best bantamweight in the world

Fernandes has been long touted as one of the best bantamweights in the world. However, in the Brazilian's mind, there is only one.



"I'm the best bantamweight in the world," Fernandes said. "I have no doubt. If you ask me if I'm the best bantamweight in the world, I'll say yes. I can bring a good fight to anyone no matter who you are. I'm humble. I want to do my job, and I'm professional at what I'm doing. I fight to win--that's Bibiano.



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"I believe in myself. I believe if I train right and doing everything right, then I'm going to get the outcome--victory. I always have confidence with my training, I always try to be healthy. What happens in the fight is in the fight. Be sharp, be strong, be smart, be quick.



A quick word on Reece McLaren

Many expect McLaren to give Fernandes a run for his money on Friday, but the Brazilian believes he is ready for everything his younger opponent will throw at him.



"He's a young guy," Fernandes said. "He wants to fight. He's going to bring the fight, and he's very good at jiu-jitsu and has very good takedowns. His stand up is OK, but I think I'll be surprised if he wants to fight stand with me. I think he will try to take me down, but a fight is a fight and I will just have to go in there and feel him out."