Bibiano Fernandes: UFC, Bellator, Rizin all had offers ONE was best
“Bellator is the closest one. I almost signed with Bellator, but sorry guys – I still have some business to fill in ONE.”
ONE Championship bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes recently tested free agency. During a recent appearance on MMAjunkie Radio, the fighter said Bellator made him a better offer than did the UFC, but that ONE was better still. He also reportedly received offers from Rizin FF and M-1.
Bellator was the closest one, said Fernandes as transcribed by MMAjunkie. Yes [more than the UFC]. Bellator is the closest one. I almost signed with Bellator, but sorry guys – I still have some business to fill in ONE. ONE is the big organization, the best in the world.
Three day after I was free and a lot of people come for me and try to make a deal – I said, ‘Slow down a little bit. I have to think about myself and think about my future and my kids.’ I have three kids. I wanted to stay with ONE. It’s a very good organization. I’ve been with them for a long time already, and I’m 36 now. I think the best thing for me is to stay.
Fernandes is 8-0 in ONE, including five successful title defenses, most recently a Split Decision over Reece McLaren at ONE Championship 50. Fernandes next title defense is expected to be in April or May vs. TBA.