Stephen Loman surprised and excited to face John Lineker in his ONE debut

Former Brave CF bantamweight champion Stephen Loman is surprised that he is going to face ex-UFC fighter John Lineker in his ONE Championship debut at ONE on TNT on April 28.

Loman, 29, last fought in November 2019 against Ilias Sanoudakis at Brave CF 30 where he won via unanimous decision to retain his then bantamweight title.

"ONE Championship put me up against John Lineker immediately, and I can actually say, I was a bit surprised. But at the same time, I'm very happy," said Loman.

"It's a chance for me to fight the best, which is what I wanted. He is one of the best fighters in the division and a very tough opponent for me."

Lineker is coming off his biggest win at ONE Championship as he defeated Loman's teammate and former ONE bantamweight champion Kevin Belingon via second-round technical knockout.

Loman said that he would have his hands full against the Brazilian knockout artist, but added that he wanted to test himself against the very best opponents that the organization can give him.

"I'm taking on a very dangerous man who is maybe the top-ranked fighter in the division now next to the bantamweight king, Bibiano [Fernandes]. It's not an easy fight, by any means. Lineker has a lot of power," Loman said.

"I'm a fighter, and I'm seeking the toughest challenges. I want to test myself against the best. ONE Championship has the best fighters." —MGP, GMA News