For Bibiano Fernandes at One FC Rise to Power “Earning the Title is not Enough”

Since suffering his last loss – to Hiroyuki Takaya at Dynamite 2010 – former Dream featherweight champion Bibiano Fernandes has been on a tear, winning five fights in a row, and claiming the Dream bantamweight championship in the process.

According to Fernandes, it’s his ability to cut out distractions that have led to his success.

“I just stay very focused,” he said. “I don’t do alcohol; I don’t go to parties. The two things important in my life are my career and my family.

“I am either at the gym, training for hours, or I’ll be at home resting and taking care of my beautiful family. That helps me keep focused because I know what I am fighting for. I fight to win, and I win for my family and my career.”

Fernandes maintains his focus by not looking too far ahead and by not putting unnecessary weight on his shoulders.

“I don’t like to set targets for myself,” he said. “I’m not that kind of person that unnecessarily put pressure on myself. I take things easy and success will come naturally.

“Even when I lose, it is not the end of the world for me. It just means that I have to improve and come back even better. I just strive to continue improving and becoming the best. “

Fernandes has an opportunity to keep his winning streak going and claim another championship on May 31 when he returns at One FC 9 to face Koetsu Okazaki for the promotion’s 135-pound championship in Pasay, Philippines.

“I have seen Okazaki fight several times in Japan. He is a crafty veteran and I will have to be on my toes the entire fight,” said Fernandes. “But I’m confident that I am better in every aspect and I will be able to overcome him.

“I will not game plan specially to capitalize on a weakness, I will just take the fight naturally, and wherever it goes I am confident I can beat him.”

While taking the title is important, Fernandes told MMAWeekly.com that it’s not his sole motivation going into May 31.

“One FC is a prestigious organization and I am excited to fight for them, but earning the title is not enough,” he said. “I just want to continue winning and beating the best fighters in the world.

“I am confident that I will emerge victorious.”