For the first time in ONE Championship’s 7-year history, the Asian-based promotion will hold mixed martial arts contests inside the “squared circle” instead of a cage.

And it will begin in ONE: Heroes of Honor in Manila on April 20.

The company said the shift is its way of paying homage to the athletes who elevated combat sports to where it is today.

Former world title contender Kevin Belingon, who will take on Andrew Leone in the main event, welcomes the promotion’s transition from cage to ring.

“I was surprised when I found out that my next bout would take place inside the ring. It brings a lot of memories because my first few fights were held inside the ring. I have no problem of competing inside the ring again. I am always ready,” Belingon said.

“Fighting inside the ring or cage is the same for me. But for sure, I will use my experience inside the ring this coming April 20th.”

“I will make sure that the action stays at the center of the ring. If it stays there, it will be easier for me to dictate the pace of the bout,” the 30-year-old Baguio City resident explained.

Meanwhile, Belingon’s teammate, Honorio Banario, shared that some grappling techniques will be limited inside the ring.

“There are some things that you can’t do inside the ring, especially in the grappling aspect of the fight. The angles inside the ring are hugely different as you're fighting within a square because the ropes bend more and the corners are harder to elude. It’s challenging, but I like a challenge,” the ex-ONE featherweight champion pointed out.

Banario, booked to square off with Australia’s Adrian Pang, bared that he made a few adjustments upon learning that his next assignment will be held inside the ring.

“The ring offers a whole slew of different variables that a cage concept cannot offer. We made slight adjustments because since 2012, my bouts were held inside the cage. But it’s fine with me. The ring will allow me to strike more,” Banario said.

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