Team Lakay’s Stephen Loman. ONE Championship photo
MANILA, Philippines–Stephen Loman wants Bibiano Fernandes next as he continues his world title bid at ONE Championship.
Loman also believes he has it all figured out on how to beat the Brazilian star should they meet down the road.
“It’s about pressuring him. Could be in striking, wrestling, on the ground. It’s all the facets of MMA,” Loman said.
That’s what John Lineker did three months ago when he knocked out Fernandes to claim the bantamweight title.
The loss, however, still doesn’t change the fact that Fernandes remains a force in the division, according to Loman.
“He’s still the champion Bibiano that we know. He still has that striking and wrestling prowess, that superb control over his opponent on the ground and submission maneuvers. He didn’t rust at all,” Loman said.
Loman has climbed to third in the bantamweight rankings after a pair of impressive wins in his first two bouts in ONE.
The Team Lakay star could be a fight or two away from challenging for the world title. To get his shot, however, a clash with Fernandes, who is the number one contender for the belt, looms.