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No.4-ranked ONE bantamweight contender Stephen Loman said Fabricio Andrade reminds him of one of the most enigmatic fighters in mixed martial arts. The Filipino fighter, in a recent interview with ONE Championship, compared 'Wonder Boy' to UFC megastar Conor McGregor:
“He’s Brazil’s answer to Conor McGregor, not just because he can expertly trash talk his opponents, but also because he is very precise with his striking. His timing is spot on, and he has excellent power.”
At first glance, it’s not hard to see why Loman thinks Fabricio Andrade and McGregor are two peas in a pod. The 25-year-old Brazilian, after all, practically followed the blueprint of the Irishman’s amazing career. The similarities between the two are uncanny; from their bold personalities up to their exhilarating fighting styles. Both employ a striking-heavy arsenal, favoring speed, precision, and technical approach to win their fights.
It seems like Andrade has also inherited Mystic Mac’s mastery of the microphone, judging by his must-see TV post-fight theatrics and entertaining interviews. Moreover, Andrade has also showcased an amazing finishing ability on the feet, which is reminiscent of McGregor.
Fabricio Andrade’s diverse skillset will be on display once more when he attempts to dethrone divisional John Lineker at ONE on Prime Video 3 on October 21 at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.
Loman, meanwhile, is quite familiar with how Andrade operates, since he also fought his Team Lakay teammate Jeremy Pacatiw. ‘Wonder Boy’ added ‘The Juggernaut’ to his growing highlight-reel, dropping the Igorot fighter with a crushing knee to the body at ONE: Full Circle this past February.
Stephen Loman picks winner between Fabricio Andrade and John Lineker
In the same interview with ONE Championship, Loman offered his two cents on the upcoming world title match happening in his division.
‘The Sniper’, who is looking to secure a world title shot of his own in the near future, said he will be keeping a close eye on the fiery match-up between Lineker and Fabricio Andrade. The pair of Brazilian fighters have agreed to keep the fight standing in a battle to see whose chin holds up.
Given the dangers both fighters possess, Loman believes they might cancel each other out in the early goings of the fight:
"This will be a five-round contest, so I think both fighters will be smart about their approach. I think in the first and second rounds, they will be gauging each other’s ability and trying to find their timing for that killer blow."
The Filipino fighter also made it clear who he’ll be rooting for on Friday:
"Between the third and fourth rounds, I believe one of them will fall down, and I’m leaning more on the idea that Andrade will be the one on the canvas."
