Fernandes, Leone slug it out for bantamweight belt as One returns to Macau

Bibiano Fernandes will play his sixth defense of the One bantamweight title. One Championship (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Brazil and USA have been the epitomes of MMA dominance in the West.

On Aug. 5, the rivalry between the two countries will spill over to the East.

Brazilian pugilist Bibiano Fernandes, arguably the top bantamweight MMA fighter in the world right now, and American foe Andrew Leone will lock horns in the headliner of One: Kings and Conquerors at the Cotai Arena in Macau.

Both Fernandes and Leone are on respective hot streaks leading to their showdown for the One bantamweight title.

Fernandes, the defending champion, won his last 12 fights and in fact remains unbeaten at One since he signed with the promotion in 2012.

Leone, on the other hand, impressively won his last three battles, convincing One president Victor Cui and chairman Chatri Sityodtong to have him match up against Fernandes for the belt.

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