“I'm definitely interested” - Bibiano Fernandes intends to compete in ONE’s submission grappling division

Ahead of Bibiano Fernandes’ appearance at ONE on Prime Video 4, the Brazilian superstar revealed he’s interested to be a part of ONE Championship’s burgeoning submission grappling roster.

‘The Flash’ is set for his second MMA outing this year as he prepares to face ‘The Sniper’ Stephen Loman on the main card in a potential world title eliminator bout for the bantamweight belt.

The event will be broadcast live and for free to Amazon Prime Video subscribers across North America.

With a good matchup pending this Friday, November 18 (US primetime), Bibiano Fernandes has the chance to jump back to the No.1 contender spot and perhaps in time begin his third term as a bantamweight world champion.

However, if that's not on the cards, the Brazilian powerhouse would be interested to jump in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu pool and compete against the world’s best grapplers.

As a former three-time IBJJF Pan American world champion and a five-time IBJJF world champion, Bibiano Fernandes will certainly bolster the division with his veteran experience and elite talents. Speaking to ONE Championship, he said:

“I'm interested in competing in submission grappling, but for that, I need to focus more on grappling, and I think that will happen. ONE is doing an excellent job. And the event is going to Brazil, it will be broadcast by the Combate channel, so I think it will do very good because Brazilians will understand how the Asian market works and they will know the true meaning of martial arts. But I'm definitely interested in fighting submission grappling at ONE Championship.”

With world-class champions Mikey Musumeci (flyweight) and Kade Ruotolo (lightweight) leading their respective divisions in submission grappling, it’s only a matter of time before a bantamweight or featherweight division is introduced. Bibiano Fernandes might be the right man to open its doors.

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Bibiano Fernandes will utilize all weapons in his tool box to defeat Stephen Loman

Former ONE bantamweight world champion Bibiano Fernandes is prepared to utilize every weapon he has under his belt to defeat Stephen Loman on Friday, November 18.

As the event draws near and tensions are running high, both fighters are likely rehearsing their game plans over and over in their heads. Have they prepared enough? How will they respond to a takedown? How good is their striking?

Fortunately for Fernandes, he’s been here multiple times before. ‘The Flash’ might have to worry about Loman’s striking and take into account the speed differential.

Meanwhile, Loman has to defend well from both angles, on the feet and on the ground. As fans have seen Bibiano Fernandes drop John Lineker with a single punch before, Loman would be remiss not to focus on his opponent’s striking as well as his grappling.

Speaking to ONE Championship, the Brazilian veteran said he might have the ground advantage in this match but he’s going to be ready for anything Loman throws at him:

“I’m sure my grappling is far superior to his grappling. I’m sure he’s working hard not to be taken down, but I’m prepared and focused for this fight.”