“I’ve faced strong and hard punchers before” - Stephen Loman feels John Lineker is "an easier matchup" for him stylistically

Filipino bantamweight contender Stephen Loman is up to the challenge of facing off with John Lineker in a possible title clash and feels confident of his chances.

‘The Sniper’ is in the wings, waiting for the winner of the rematch between Lineker and Fabricio Andrade for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title next month.

As the No. 3 contender in the division, Stephen Loman could be the next opponent of whoever emerges as champion at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video on February 24 in Bangkok, Thailand.

While he is willing to take on either Lineker or Andrade, the Team Lakay stalwart nonetheless said Lineker would be a more favorable matchup for him.

Stephen Loman shared in an interview with THE MMA Superfan:

“There’s no easy fight between these two. These guys are both dangerous. As for myself, I think, well it’s still difficult. But I feel like John Lineker would be an easier matchup for me, stylistically. He’s a striker, a boxer, and he’s an explosive fighter. He’s a knockout puncher. He’s technical and quick, a hard puncher, fast and powerful. I’ve faced strong and hard punchers before, so that’s why I think Lineker would be a good matchup for me.”

Watch the full interview in the video below:

Stephen Loman has been steadily climbing in the bantamweight division since making his ONE Championship debut in December 2021. He has a 3-0 record in the promotion with the last win at the expense of former champion Bibiano Fernandes by unanimous decision.

The highly anticipated rematch between Andrade and Lineker, as well as the rest of the ONE Fight Night 7 card, is available live and for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.

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Stephen Loman says John Lineker could be "extra careful" against Fabricio Andrade in the rematch

No. 3 bantamweight contender Stephen Loman is looking forward to the rematch between John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title in February and has his take on it.

Speaking to The MMA Superfan, ‘The Sniper’ believes the championship protagonists already know each other’s game and will be extra careful when they reengage, especially Lineker.

Stephen Loman said:

“They discovered each other’s weaknesses in the first fight, and I bet their striking will be even more prominent in the rematch. It’s guaranteed to be another striking battle, that’s my opinion. But I also think they will both be extra careful this time, especially Lineker. He now knows just how dangerous Andrade’s knees are, and I think he’ll be wise to it this time.”

Lineker and Andrade first met for the title last October, which ended in a no-contest after the former was unable to continue after being hit with an accidental groin strike in the third round. Lineker also saw himself stripped of the world title prior to the match after missing weight.

They now settle things once and for all at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video on February 24 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Stephen Loman, for his part, will be a curious observer of the event as he could be the next opponent for the winner of the match.