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Bibiano Fernandes Has No Regrets Turning Down UFC Deal; Happy with ONE FC Future | MMAWeekly.com

“Of course I’m happy with my choice,” Fernandes told MMAWeekly.com. “My last fight was already aired live all over North America so (the fans) can still follow me. Right now my focus is with ONE FC; what the future holds only God knows.

“When one door closes another one opens.”

Fernandes traveled back to Japan, a country where he’s spent a big part of his fighting career, to close out the year. He picked up a dominant win over former WEC contender Yoshiro Maeda, and now turns his attention towards 2013 and his next fight with ONE FC.

While he does reveal that there is a fight already lined up, Fernandes stopped short of revealing the details, but ONE FC does have a card in early February with more cards being added as the year moves on. No matter the plans, Fernandes is happy with his new home, and is looking forward to a good year with them.

“I’ve only had one fight so far, but it was a good experience. It’s a good organization and I believe it will keep growing. I’m happy to be a part of ONE FC. I already have my next fight scheduled, but I will let them make the announcement,” said Fernandes.

“As far as being busy goes, I’ll have to ask Victor (Cui, CEO of ONE FC) about that one.”

The biggest criticism of Fernandes’ signing with ONE FC wasn’t his decision to opt for more money because every fighter wants to make a living and provide for their family, but with talent spread thin at 135 pounds and the majority of the top fighters currently competing in the UFC’s bantamweight division, the real question was who would Fernandes fight there?

He’s not concerned with that question, however, because he believes ONE FC will find fights for him, and Fernandes is happy to face any challenger they can bring in.

“There are definitely good guys for me over there, especially for my weight,” Fernandes commented.

“People in Asia tend to be smaller. Just because people may not be familiar with the names over here doesn’t mean there is not any talent there.”

[joeodd2]

Right now I don't know if the UFC really has all the best 135 lb fighters, maybe they do, but we don't see them often enough. I think right now there could very well be more talent in Asia due to the smaller nature of those fighters and the shear number of fighters over there. Of course U.S fighters still beat a lot of Asian fighters due to the size advantage, but I've noticed that they've been closing the gap bit by bit.....it still may be a very long time before you see an Asian title holder in the UFC. If it does happen I think it will be south of 155....