Bibiano Fernandes Says ‘Bring It On’ As Martin Nguyen Aims For Historic Third World Title
No sooner had he won his second ONE Championship title this past Friday, Martin Nguyen had already set his sights on becoming the first man in MMA history to win a historic three world titles at three different weight classes.
Nguyen won his second ONE Championship title when he defeated Eduard Folayang at ONE: Legends of the World to win the ONE lightweight world title. Having won the featherweight belt back in August, Nguyen became the first man in ONE Championship history to hold two of their titles, but the Australian fighter is stopping there.
Speaking exclusively to MMANytt.com yesterday, Nguyen revealed that he’s already setting his sights on creating further history.
“It was all a dream, but it’s not over yet,” Nguyen said. “I’m gunning for Bibiano [Fernandes].”
Nguyen went on to confirm that making weight for a shot at the ONE bantamweight title wouldn’t be an issue and that this past weekend he was happy with the way he managed his weight for his tilt at the lightweight title.
“I was at 71kg on Friday morning,” Nguyen said. “After I fuelled up at breakfast I was at around 72kg come fight time. Bantamweight would be no issue at all. Remember, the ONE Championship weight limit for bantamweight is 145-pounds.”
Nguyen is certainly game for a history making fight and it will be music to his ears that the ONE bantamweight world champion Bibiano Fernandes is more than willing to give him a shot. Fernandes also spoke exclusively to MMANytt.com last evening and confirmed that he would happily give Nguyen a crack at the title.
“I only say highlights of his fight on Friday, but if he wants to come down to bantamweight, sure, I’ll fight him,” Fernandes said. “I’ve not met him, but I think he’s done well for himself so congratulations to him.”
While complimentary of Nguyen, the Brazilian added that he thinks he would beat him if they ever fought.
“Of course, I feel comfortable that I would win,” Fernandes said. “I believe in myself always. I’m waiting to hear from ONE Championship about what is next for me. Nothing is planned at this time.”
A fight between the double weight champion Nguyen and one of ONE’s most decorated champions Fernandes would likely be considered the biggest fight in the company’s history. Fernandes, unbeaten since 2010, agreed.
“I agree, biggest fight of all time. Bring it on.”
