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ONE athletes Stephen Loman and Joshua Pacio are preparing for massive bouts in the coming weeks—and they're sharpening each other's irons at Team Lakay Gym.
Loman, who is the no. 5 ranked bantamweight, is readying for his match against former long-time champ Bibiano Fernandes at ONE on Prime Video 4. Meanwhile, strawweight champ Joshua Pacio is looking to defend his belt for the fourth straight time against incoming challenger Jarred Brooks at ONE 164.
In an exclusive conversation with ONE Championship, Loman revealed that he and Pacio are helping each other get ready for the grapplers they're about to encounter:
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"We are working very hard on our grappling, because we’re facing two ground fighters. Joshua is preparing for Jarred Brooks, while I’m getting ready for Bibiano Fernandes. We found that common training ground. On the mat is where we are focused on right now."
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There are few ways to better prepare for a fight than training at Team Lakay under the tutiledge of Mark Sangiao—which Loman and Pacio are both doing.
Stephen Loman claims to be in peak shape
'The Sniper' is a perfect 2-0 since signing to ONE in 2021—besting both Yusup Saadulaev and Shoko Sato. The former BRAVE CF bantamweight champ feels as though he is entering this upcoming bout in peak physical shape. He told ONE:
“I’ve been working my hardest in the gym in preparation for my fight against Bibiano. I really have to get my body in its best shape and be at my best when it comes to striking and grappling. Both physically and mentally, I need to come in my prime form. This is not going to be an easy fight.”
An impressive showing against a former champ like Fernandes will put Stephen Loman in a good spot to earn a title shot. Considering the uncertainty at the top of the bantamweight division, a win at ONE on Prime Video 4 might be enough.
The division's strap is currently vacant following the no-contest ruling in the recent title fight between John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade. Former champ Lineker weighed in over the limit, causing him to be stripped of the belt.
Check out Stephen Loman's full fight against Shoko Sato below:
