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Stephen Loman is the type to give credit when it's due, and he immediately congratulated Fabricio Andrade for successfully defending his bantamweight MMA world title. However, 'The Sniper' made it clear that he should be next in line.
After a lengthy hiatus from MMA due to injuries, Andrade triumphantly returned at ONE 170 last Friday, needing just 42 seconds to knock out challenger Kwon Won Il with a sickening liver blow.
Not long after that highlight-reel finish, Loman's stable, Lions Nation MMA, posted a clip of the Filipino star congratulating and challenging the Brazilian superstar.
The second-ranked bantamweight MMA contender said:
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"Fabricio Andrade, congratulations on your win tonight. You proved once again why you’re the champion. But you and I both know there’s one challenge you haven’t faced yet… and that’s me!"
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Loman last fought at ONE Fight Night 14 in 2023, which resulted in a disappointing unanimous decision loss to former 145-pound MMA kingpin John Lineker.
Then again, the 29-year-old racked off three straight victories before that setback, including a dominant beatdown of another former champion, Bibiano Fernandes.
Fabricio Andrade acknowledges Stephen Loman's claim as next challenger
Before collecting his $50,000 performance bonus after knocking out Kwon, Fabricio Andrade was asked about who he wants next.
Unsurprisingly, 'Wonder Boy' had Loman in mind, considering they were supposed to be on a collision course not too long ago.
"I was meant to fight Loman last time, so if ONE Championship wants me to do that, I will do it. But it's up to ONE Championship and Chatri," the champion said in his in-Cirlce interview.
It is worth noting that Andrade unsuccessfully tried to claim the then-vacant bantamweight kickboxing belt back in 2023, around the same time Loman lost to Lineker.
Given both warriors' desire to face the other, it seems about right to revisit this potential showdown. The full replay of ONE 170 is free to watch via watch.onefc.com
