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Stephen Loman sees golden opportunity in facing Bibiano Fernandes

Sports

Stephen Loman sees golden opportunity in facing Bibiano Fernandes

By Carlo Anolin

An eager Stephen Loman is excited to face former ONE bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes in ONE on Prime Video 4 on Nov. 18 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Stephen Loman (ONE Championship)

It was a wish granted for Loman as he is set to take a step closer to a title shot following the vacancy of the bantamweight throne due to a no-contest declaration between ex-titleholder John Lineker and now top-ranked contender Fabricio Andrade.

What makes it more exciting for the Team Lakay stalwart is the entirety of the situation in the division as Lineker fell to No. 2 followed by Fernandes (No. 3), and Kwon Won Il (No. 4).

"Heto na 'yon," said Loman, who sits at the No. 5 spot. "Parang request ko noon na siya (Fernandes) 'yong gusto ko makalaban. Excited ako ngayon na siya talaga 'yong if-face off ko soon."

Just like most of the fans and fighters themselves, Loman said what happened between Lineker and Andrade was unexpected but it actually paved the way for more bantamweight contenders to join in the fray and crash the party.

For the 30-year-old Loman, this could be the opportunity not only for himself but also for others to prove their worth. However, this bout against Fernandes has yet to be deemed as a world title eliminator.

Just recently, a new matchup is also added as Kwon is set to take on Mark Abelardo in the same card.

At this point, this could be anybody's ball game as far as the stacked bantamweight division is concerned.

Nonetheless, Loman keeps laser-sharp focus against Fernandes, who once was rivals with his teammate and former champion as well in Kevin Belingon.

"Focused ako sa laban na 'to kasi ito na 'yong opportunity na lalaban para sa world title," added Loman, who holds a 15-2 record.

Fernandes, who owns a 24-5 slate, for his part, last saw action in March when Lineker knocked him out and strip him of the title.

Related Tags

Team Lakay ONE Championship

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