Stephen Loman says he’s ready for a world championship fight against the winner at ONE Fight Night 7

‘The Sniper’ Stephen Loman is stoked to take on the next bantamweight king after this week’s main event at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video.

Top-ranked contenders ‘Hands of Stone’ John Lineker and ‘Wonder Boy’ Fabricio Andrade will run it back again on Friday, February 24, for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Thailand.

Filipino sensation ‘The Sniper’ Stephen Loman, who is the current third-ranked fighter in the division, confessed that he’s been keeping up with his training to face the winner of Friday’s headliner.

Speaking to ONE Championship, the 31-year-old star elaborated:

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“I feel like I’m totally ready for a World Championship fight. Whoever ends up winning the belt, I’m excited to face them. I just have to focus and step up on my training so I can hang with whoever ends up winning.”

The former Brave CF bantamweight champion has been gunning for a shot at the world title ever since he won by knockout in his promotional debut at ONE: Winter Warriors II in December 2021.

Making his ascent towards contention, Loman was given another difficult fight against Japanese veteran Shoko Sato on March 26, 2022, to truly test his all-around skillset.

Sato, who was looking to bounce back from a win streak-ending loss to Fabricio Andrade in the Circle, kept Loman on his toes from start to finish with his fast-paced fighting style. After going the full distance, Stephen Loman ultimately edged the win by decision, which put him next in line to fight former divisional king ‘The Flash’ Bibiano Fernandes.

Fabricio Andrade downplays Stephen Loman’s victory against MMA veteran Bibiano Fernandes

Aware that Stephen Loman’s recent victory against Bibiano Fernandes warrants a world title shot, Fabricio Andrade, however, doesn’t believe Loman is at his level yet.

Last year at ONE on Prime Video 4, Loman completely dominated the former bantamweight king Bibiano Fernandes in technical fashion. Despite not being able to find a submission, Loman nevertheless showcased versatility in his ground game. Andrade, however, didn’t see it that way.

Downplaying ‘The Sniper’s’ success, ‘Wonder Boy’ told ONE:

“He’s fought veterans, hey. He hasn’t fought nobody near their prime. Saadulaev? Come on man, the guy’s near the end of his career, you know. Shoko Sato he’s still tough, but also near the end of his career. Now Bibiano. That’s what I’m trying to explain to you, you know.”

Loman and Andrade have never met inside the Circle yet. So if the Brazilian star wins the vacant belt this Friday, Loman is going to make sure his rival eats his words on fight day.

Fans in North America can watch all the action from ONE Fight Night 7 unfold live and for free on Prime Video on February 24

About the author

Saray has been a part of Sportskeeda’s MMA team for the last two years and has penned over 1500 pieces so far. She extensively covers ONE Championship, reporting on disciplines like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, and kickboxing. She previously spent a year working for BTC Promotions in Burlington, Ontario. She has a degree in English and was also an English Language instructor.

A former taekwondo practitioner, Saray’s favorite fighters include Khabib Nurmagomedov, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and Demetrious Johnson.

Saray’s journey as an MMA fan began after watching Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Juliana Lima at UFC on Fox 12 in 2014. She now pushes to provide unique and accurate insights to MMA enthusiasts. Her extensive experience includes interviewing top ONE Championship athletes like Danielle Kelly and ‘Super’ Sage Northcutt via The MMA Superfan and Sportskeeda.

Outside of work, her other interests include watching the UFC, playing soccer, and blogging. And she loves being a mom.

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Edited by C. Nayak