Stephen Loman looks forward to testing himself against Bibiano Fernandes

Former Brave CF bantamweight champion Stephen Loman is hoping to learn where he is at in terms of skill level when he takes on former ONE bantamweight world champion Bibiano Fernandes at ONE on PRIME VIDEO 4 on November 19 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Loman, a Team Lakay representative with a record of 16-2 as a professional mixed martial arts fighter, is expected to have a handful in what is touted as his biggest and toughest fight to date against Fernandes (24-5).

“In the past, I thought I was going to be matched up with him, but that didn’t happen. So for sure, my excitement for that match is still there. He’s the guy who defeated Kuya Kevin [Belingon], so I want to face him to see where my level is at right now,” Loman stated.

“When [Kevin Belingon] learned about my upcoming fight, he told me that I can beat Bibiano because he’s old already. Kidding aside, I think it will be a factor because he’s 42. I believe his explosiveness will still be there - we saw it against Lineker as he was able to knock him down.”

Fernandes, touted as one of the greatest world champions in ONE Championship history, is known to Filipino fight fans for his bitter rivalry with Team Lakay’s Kevin Belingon who he had four fights with.

Though Fernandes is coming off a loss, Loman nevertheless expects that a win over the Brazilian legend could get him a world title shot next.

“I expect that his explosiveness is still there, as well as his striking. I will be especially watching out for his wrestling and obviously, his jiu-jitsu. Those are the things that I need to prepare for. I fully expect him to still have his strength, especially on the ground,” Loman stressed.

“I believe that winning this will give me a chance to contend for a world title in ONE, which would be another goal to reach. I’m determined to face all these ranked opponents so that I can prove myself worthy to challenge for that world championship.”

—JMB, GMA News