“This is not going to be an easy fight” - Stephen Loman feels he needs to come in "prime form" for Bibiano Fernandes

Stephen Loman is in deep preparation for the biggest fight of his combat sports career. On November 18, he’ll step into the circle with a ONE Championship legend in Bibiano Fernandes, the former ONE bantamweight world champion.

Undefeated under the ONE banner thus far, Loman could very well earn himself a world title opportunity with a win over ‘The Flash’ in the promotion’s return to the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Discussing his preparation with The MMA Super Fan, ‘The Sniper’ is aware of the importance of coming into his showdown with Fernandes in the best possible shape:

“I’ve been working my hardest in the gym in preparation for my fight against Bibiano. I really have to get my body in its best shape and be at my best when it comes to striking and grappling. Both physically and mentally, I need to come in my prime form. This is not going to be an easy fight.”

With impressive victories over Yusup Saadulaev and Shoko Sato in his last two outings, a win against a bonafide legend like Bibiano Fernandes would thrust Stephen Loman near the front of the pack.

Watch Loman's highlights in ONE Championship below:

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Stephen Loman sees Bibiano Fernandes as the biggest test of his skills

For Stephen Loman, a win over Bibiano Fernandes on November 18 won’t just put him in a prime spot for a ONE world title opportunity, it will show the world - and himself - that he is ready for a truly elite level of competition.

Of course, winning back-to-back bouts inside the circle is already an impressive feat, but ‘The Sniper’ knows what it would mean to score a win over one of the promotion’s most respected and tenured superstars:

“I really need to win against Bibiano first, he’s not just an ordinary fighter. I also need to sharpen my techniques because I see that they [ranked opponents] have their own strengths and weaknesses. But if I get a win over Bibiano, I will prove that my skills are on par with his level already.”

After more than a decade with ONE Championship, Bibiano Fernandes has never lost back-to-back fights. Loman could change that later this month, but ‘The Flash’ is sure to come into the ONE on Prime Video 4 showdown with a renewed focus and a desire to recapture the ONE world title he lost earlier this year.

Watch Loman vs. Saadulaev below: