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Filipino bantamweight fighter Stephen Loman believes wrestling will be crucial for former division king John Lineker when he figures in a world title fight next month.
“Hands of Stone” Lineker battles anew with fellow Brazilian Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade for the vacant bantamweight world title in the headlining fight at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video on February 24 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The two fighters make another go for the division's top prize after their first showdown in October ended in a no-contest when Lineker was ruled unable to continue after absorbing an accidental strike to the groin from Andrade in the third round.
Also, to recall, Lineker failed to make weight for the said fight and was stripped of the world title just before the match.
Speaking to The MMA Superfan, No. 3 bantamweight contender Stephen Loman shared that he expects Lineker to turn to his wrestling skills in setting up his powerful hooks to help his cause, seeing how he had much success in it last time around:
“Lineker will use his wrestling again. That’s the way I see him taking the fight. He’ll use his wrestling and try to connect with those looping shots. I think that if Andrade uses his footwork to keep distance, Lineker will need to turn up the pressure so he can get within range to throw those hooks.”
Check out the video below for the full interview:
Stephen Loman will be an interested party come ONE Fight Night 7 as he could be up for a title shot against the winner between Lineker and Andrade.
Stephen Loman is ready for a ONE bantamweight world title opportunity after win over Bibiano Fernandes
Team Lakay stalwart Stephen Loman solidified his standing in the bantamweight rankings following his impressive win over former world champion Bibiano Fernandes last November and is ready for his shot at gold.
“The Sniper” is currently the No. 3 contender in the division and has been undefeated in three fights to date in ONE Championship since making his promotional debut in December 2021.
His most recent victory came at the expense of Fernandes at ONE Prime Video 4, winning by way of a hard-earned unanimous decision over the Brazilian legend. The win was the biggest to date in his mixed martial arts career.
In an interview inside the circle following his victory, Stephen Loman told commentator Mitch Chilson that he would be ready for a world title shot if given the opportunity. He said:
“If they give me the chance, of course yes!"
Prior to defeating Fernandes, Loman won over Yusup Saadulaev by technical knockout (punches) in the opening round in his ONE debut and followed it up with a unanimous decision victory against Shoko Sato last March.
