BAGUIO CITY -- Stephen Loman has finally reached his peak form just days ahead of his much-anticipated bout against former ONE bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes.
Loman is set to face perhaps the biggest challenge of his career yet in Fernandes when the two bantamweight stars clash in ONE on Prime Video 4 on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
"Nasa peak na po ako sa training. Mina-master ko pa din 'yong mga game plan namin lalong lalo na sa defense sa wrestling, jiu-jitsu, at sa ground game," said Loman, who holds a masterful record of 16 wins and two losses.
The Team Lakay veteran, who used to reign in the bantamweight division of BRAVE CF, focused on sharpening his ground game skills against proven and seasoned grappler and wrestler in Fernandes.
Avoiding dangerous positions is just one of the many key tactics for Loman if he wants to take home the victory while putting respect on Fernandes' name in terms of those departments is also a crucial one.
A win against Fernandes, who sustained a 24-5 record following his defeat against the recently-stripped champion John Lineker, would bring him closer to a world title shot especially since the bantamweight title has been vacated.
"'Pag na-takedown tayo, delikado 'yong posisyon natin sa groun kaya 'yon 'yong parang focus ko. Nasa isip ko na, tinatak ko na hindi ako magpapa-takedown," explained Loman. "'Yon 'yong una pero may counter din tayo 'pag na-take down tayo."
Loman also expressed gratitude to his teammate and "kuya" in Kevin Belingon, who already fought Fernandes thrice, for the continuous support and guidance.
Meanwhile, Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao likes the chances of Loman against Fernandes but also warned his student of the immense threat.
"Napaka-gandang opportunity para kay Loman ito kasi naman joke si Bibiano -- proven na world champion 'yan," said Sangiao. "'Di natin minamaliiit 'yong kakayahan ni Bibiano kasi napakagaling ni Bibiano."
The Team Lakay patriarch added that it won't be a walk in the park for Loman but he is putting hundred percent trust that his fighter has high chance of winning the bout.
"Malaki rin 'yong kumpyansa na mananalo si Stephen. Though 'di natin sinisigurado pero malaki 'yong chance," he added.