“We are excited” - Joshua Pacio believes victory for Stephen Loman will set him up for possible world title shot

Team Lakay may have a new contender on their hands when Stephen Loman faces former bantamweight king Bibiano Fernandes at ONE on Prime Video 4 on November 18.

The current ONE strawweight world champion and training partner of Loman, 'The Passion' Joshua Pacio, believes that 'The Sniper' can overcome the odds. He's confident that Loman will defeat the former world champion and put himself in line for a shot at the world title at bantamweight.

While speaking with ONE Championship, Pacio discussed Stephen Loman and said:

"Stephen Loman is in a great position right now. I believe if he beats Bibiano Fernandes, he will be next in line to fight for the belt. We are excited."

Brazil's Fernandes will be fighting hard for a win in this fight as he looks to rebound after losing his world title. Filipino-born fighter Stephen Loman, meanwhile, will be looking to put his name in the top three with a win on November 18.

ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio will put his crown on the line in the Philippines when he faces American wrestler Jarred Brooks. The two are booked for a highly anticipated showdown at ONE 164 on December 3.

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Stephen Loman is aiming for a shot at the world title

Like Pacio, 'The Sniper' Stephen Loman also believes that if he is successful against Bibiano Fernandes at ONE on Prime Video 4, he will be next in line to challenge for the bantamweight gold.

While speaking with The MMA Superfan, he said:

“I feel that I deserve to be in a world title fight if I beat Bibiano. But right now, I don’t really know what they’re going to do about the world title. I think there will be a rematch between [Fabricio] Andrade and [John] Lineker but I should be up for a spot in the next world title match. Fighting for the belt has always been my goal.”

ONE Championship's bantamweight division is full of incredibly skilled fighters. The crown currently remains vacant due to a weight miss from John Lineker and a subsequent no contest in his headliner against Fabricio Andrade. The weight class also has dangerous fighters such as Kwon Won Il.

With a win on November 18 against Bibiano Fernandes, 'The Sniper' will move his ranking further into the top five and might be next in line for a shot at the bantamweight throne.

See the full interview below: