“This is a huge opportunity for him” - Mark Sangiao "pleasantly surprised" Stephen Loman drew Bibiano Fernandes for next fight

At ONE on Prime Video 4, No.5-ranked bantamweight Stephen Loman will have the biggest opportunity of his mixed martial arts career thus far. ‘The Sniper’ will square off against 11-time bantamweight world champion Bibiano ‘The Flash’ Fernandes in a contest that will have major world title implications.

Loman will enter the bout undefeated inside the circle with a first-round knockout over Yusup Saadulaev at the end of 2021 and a unanimous decision win over Shoko Sato earlier this year.

Already in the top five of the division, a win over a tenured star like Fernandes could thrust ‘The Sniper’ into pole position for a world title opportunity.

Mark Sangiao, Loman’s head coach, recently shared his thoughts on the matchup while speaking to ONE. The famed Team Lalay leader revealed his surprise that the promotion was willing to give Stephen Loman a shot at a big name like Fernandes this early in his ONE Championship career:

“We were pleasantly surprised because we didn’t expect ONE to give Stephen the Bibiano Fernandes fight this early. This is a huge opportunity for him because a win against a former world champion moves him one step closer to a world title shot.”

Coming off a knockout loss to John Lineker at ONE: Lights Out, Bibiano Fernades will be determined to get back into the win column and within reach of an opportunity to reclaim the bantamweight crown.

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Stephen Loman’s coach says fight will be just as much a challenge for Bibiano Fernandes

While many have expressed surprise at the match-up between Stephen Loman and Bibiano Fernandes, Mark Sangiao believes the fight will be just as much a test for Fernandes as it will be for Loman:

“When Bibiano takes you down, he has a good control. He’s very good in jiu-jitsu but Stephen Loman is tested. He’s the longest champion on the team. He holds the belt in another organization. This is also a big challenge for Bibiano.”

Prior to signing with ONE Championship, ‘The Sniper’ was the inaugural Brave CF bantamweight titleholder, winning the belt in 2017 before successfully defending it four times in a 17-month timeframe. With a record of 16-2-0, Loman is currently riding a 10-fight win streak and hasn't faced defeat for nearly seven years.