Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao has a set of expectations for ONE bantamweight rising star Stephen Loman.
First off, is that he is expecting Loman to take home a sweet victory against former champion Bibiano Fernandes which actually materialized last Nov. 18.
Sangiao turned out to be very surprised with the outcome as Loman had a convincing unanimous decision win over Fernandes, a far-fetched expectation from the close fight he initially thought of.
"Nakita natin na na-dominate ni Stephen Loman si Bibiano Fernandes in any angles -- sa striking, sa wrestling, and even in jiu-jitsu," recalled the Team Lakay patriarch.
"Nakapag-attempt pa nga rito ng rear-naked choke si Bibiano but Stephen managed to escape and go to full-guard position which nakapag-deliver ng napakaraming ground-and-pound, short elbows pa si Stephen."
Indeed, what Loman had showcased made heads turn and Sangiao said that the win is proof that he is one of the best world champions.
Before jumping ship to ONE Championship, Loman, 27, used to dominate the bantamweight division of BRAVE Combat Federation.
After a successful debut in ONE followed by two unanimous decision wins, Loman improved from No. 5 to becoming the No. 3 contender in the bantamweight rank.
"Ang expectation ko dito ay mananalo si Stephen pero hindi ganon ka-dominate pero nakita natin doon sa laban na masyadong dominating si Stephen."
The Team Lakay stalwart is also the best candidate out there to challenge and await the winner between top-ranked Fabricio Andrade and former champion-turned-No. 2 contender John Lineker.
There is nowhere to go but up now for Loman as he improved to a 17-2 record. ###