Stephen Loman (left) (Facebook photo)
MANILA – Stephen Loman makes a return to the ONE Championship Circle when he battles his toughest opponent yet, Brazil’s Bibiano Fernandes, at Singapore Indoor Stadium on November 19.
Loman was the longest reigning champion at Brave Combat Federation but vacated his belt to join ONE Championship.
Loman (15 wins, 2 losses, 5 knockouts 2 subs) has remained unbeaten so far at ONE.
Dating back to 2016, he has won his last 10 fights, putting him at No. 4 in the bantamweight contender list.
Standing in the way of the Team Lakay star is Fernandes, who was once the longest reigning bantamweight champ at ONE.
“I’m so happy about this opportunity. Now the people will get to see the results of all the hard work and training that I’ve done. I’m truly excited for this bout,” Loman said in a statement.
Fernandes' reign was cut short in March when fellow fellow Brazilian John Lineker knocked him out at ONE: Lights Out.
Loman believes though that Fernandes remains formidable as he looks for payback.
“Bibiano’s one of the top contenders in the division so a win here, I could be next in line for the title,” Loman said.
Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao said Fernandes would be motivated to recover from his loss to Lineker.
“It’s either he’s frustrated or motivated. We’ll see,” Langiao said. “We all know Bibiano hasn’t experienced defeat in a long time. Of course, that loss will certainly serve as a big lesson for him, either way, we’re preparing for him to the best that we can.”
The winner of the Loman-Fernandes bout could vie for the ONE bantamweight title next, which Lineker would defend against compatriot Fabricio Andrade on Saturday. (PNA)
