Fabricio Andrade not impressed by Stephen Loman’s win over Bibiano Fernandes

No.1-ranked bantamweight contender Fabricio Andrade was far from impressed with Stephen Loman’s victory over Bibiano Fernandes at ONE on Prime Video 4.

‘The Sniper’ stepped into the circle for the toughest test of his mixed martial arts career, taking on the 11-time bantamweight king. Loman managed to secure a win over ‘The Flash’ by way of unanimous decision, handing Fernandes back-to-back losses for the first time since making his ONE Championship debut.

Despite the win over a big name, Fabricio Andrade was unimpressed and called the fight “boring” in an interview with ONE:

“It was a boring fight, but Loman showed that he is the next challenger for the belt. But just like Lineker, he didn't impress me because he beat a guy who is at the end of his career, who is almost retiring. It wasn't impressive at all, but he's the next challenger for the belt.”

Though it may not have been a show-stealing performance, Stephen Loman’s win over Fernandes could earn him a shot at the ONE bantamweight world champion once the promotion crowns one at ONE on Prime Video 7 in February. For now, ‘The Sniper’ will stand aside as Fabricio Andrade and John Lineker run it back to finally name the rightful king of the division.

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Unlike Fabricio Andrade, the ONE CEO was thoroughly impressed with Stephen Loman’s defeat of Bibiano Fernandes

Not everyone was unimpressed with the biggest win of Stephen Loman’s career. Following the events of ONE on Prime Video 4, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong appeared at the post-fight press conference and shared his excitement over Loman’s performance:

"Unbelievable. I mean I was really impressed. I mean, if he had finished Bibiano [Fernandes], he would have gotten the bonus and I think an automatic title shot."

At this point, Loman is all but guaranteed a crack at the ONE bantamweight world title following February’s ONE on Prime Video 7 card which will hopefully see a new world champion crowned. ‘The Sniper’ does seem to be the most logical choice for a run at ONE gold, but as they say in MMA, anything can happen.

Do you want to see Stephen Loman take on the winner of Fabricio Andrade vs. John Lineker II or should someone else get their shot at bantamweight gold?