By Jun Ray Navarres
Team Lakay Stephen Loman will finally have the toughest challenge of his young ONE Championship run as he books a fight with the former bantamweight kingpin Bibiano Fernandes.
The fourth-ranked bantamweight contender will join the stacked ONE Fight Night 4: Abbasov vs Lee on Nov 19 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“I’m so happy for 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.
Loman who is very silent on and off the Circle lets his fight do the talking, last experiencing defeat way back in early 2016.
Under ONE Championship, he’s scored impressive wins including a knockout on Yusup Saadulaev in his debut. He also outlasted Shoko Sato to continue his winning ways.
Yet, the whole camp is wary of Bibiano’s capabilities as the former division champion.
Fernandes’ loss to John Lineker a few months ago is a good breeding ground for vengeance especially when it is a devastating KO.
“He could be really motivated coming from that loss against Lineker. It’s either he’s frustrated or motivated. We’ll see,” Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao 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.”
Fernandes is still the no. 1 contender of the division and Loman is thrilled to assassinate another big name to further improve his chance at challenging whoever wins between Lineker and Fabricio Andrade this Saturday, Oct 22.
“Bibiano’s one of the top contenders still in the division so a win here and I could be next in line for the title,” added Loman.
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