Action between John Lineker and Kevin Belingon in mixed martial arts. Handout/ONE Championship 

MANILA -- Former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John "Hands of Stone" Lineker has inspired another former MMA titlist to follow his path into the striking arts. 

Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon, a former bantamweight MMA king himself, revealed his interest in transitioning to kickboxing should an opportunity in MMA not present itself in the near future. 

"Yes, of course," Belingon responded when asked if Lineker's success in striking sports motivated his interest. 

"I've seen Lineker adjust well to the all-striking rules because he's got a striking background. He was pretty effective in there. He's got great results in there, and I'd like to pursue it as well. It motivates me to try out that sport." 

Belingon said that his wushu sanda background provides a solid foundation for kickboxing, similar to top-ranked bantamweight kickboxing contender Wei Rui who shares the same martial arts background. 

That's why "The Silencer" hopes the organization will give him a shot in the sport. 

"I want to be active in martial arts," Belingon said. 

"That's why I want to expand now, not just in MMA but in kickboxing as well. My wushu background falls right into the kickboxing rule set and I believe there will be little adjustments on my end. Hopefully ONE gives me a shot at it," he added. 

If given the chance to compete in kickboxing, he already has an opponent in mind. 

"I'd want to face Lineker again,” he said, "whether in kickboxing or MMA. Hopefully I get to take him on again."