ONE: Stephen Loman eyes ranked bantamweight contenders for next fight

Team Lakay’s Stephen Loman. ONE Championship photo

MANILA, Philippines — ONE Championship bantamweight bet Stephen Loman has a list of names he wants to face next in his bid for a title shot.

Loman of Team Lakay beat Shoko Sato via unanimous decision in ONE X last Saturday in Singapore to stay unbeaten and boost his title shot for the Bantamweight World title.

Now he wants to fight either one of the ranked contenders in Bibiano Fernandes, Fabricio Andrade or Kwon Won Il before he tries to challenge for the belt against reigning champion John Lineker.

“I think I need at least one more fighter, either against Andrade, Bibiano or Kwon Won Il,” said Loman, currently the No. 3 ranked bantamweight contender, during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

“I will prepare well to develop my skills and address my weaknesses to reach another level when I return to the circle.”

A fight against the No.1 ranked Fernandes would help him earn a title shot.

“I think he’s a complete fighter and he’s very good with his striking. He knocked down Lineker before and he has a good ground game,” said Loman.

“He is well rounded. I think it will be a good match. Whoever has heavy hands and better ground control will win. That match could go the distance.”

If not Fernandes, Loman is also willing to fight either the No.2 Kwon or No.4 Andrade.

“Kwon Won Il has a height advantage. He is strong and he’s good at striking. My advantage would be wrestling since he is taller,” he said.

“For Andrade, his striking skills are very sharp and he is also good at wrestling. I have to prepare a game plan for him but I think I can match his intensity in striking,” he added.