By Jun Ray Navarres
Team Lakay standout Stephen Loman raised the bars high with his dominating debut performance against Yusup Saadulaev at ONE: Winter Warriors last December.
In his first fight inside under the Singapore based promotion The Sniper assassinated The Maestro with a first-round technical knockout, battering him with his heavy hands.
Loman, who reigned over the bantamweight division of his last promotion did not waste any time proving that he also belongs in the Home of Martial Arts.
The outstanding performance caught the eye of the organization, putting Loman to the ONE Athlete Rankings, taking Saadulaev’s position.
“It was my debut fight and it is a great feeling to be at the top five after defeating a ranked opponent. I was positive that I will be climbing up the rankings, but surprisingly, they put me in the third spot. I’m so thankful,” said Loman.
Really, Saadulaev is a force to be reckoned as the former #3 ranked bantamweight and even Loman recognizes this.
“When I was watching Yusup in his fights and when he teaches his students, he is very technical on the ground and I can’t help but be impressed and learn, too, from him,” shared Loman.
“Yusup is not just good at the ground but in striking as well. When I was landing my kicks, he was fast with his punches and that got me. He put me down and when I tried to counter him too, he got a solid chin and a good heart to stand back up again.”
Loman was able to topple such huge obstacle earning him the position he is now.
Yet, even Loman would admit that his full arsenal was not shown during the fight and he wants to display it once he returns into action.
And there is only one guy on his watchlist, fellow athlete rankings newcomer Kwon Won Il – the guy who took down Kevin Belingon.
“I think Kwon Won will be a good match for me,” Loman said smiling.
“I want to show the ever-supportive fans my striking ability and my ground game as well next time I step in the cage.”
Loman assured his fans that he will definitely work his way to stay on the ladder and ascend to the throne of the bantamweight kingpin soonest.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
