“We have to wait for that” - Bibiano Fernandes has no problems being patient for a potential world title fight  

If Bibiano Fernandes finds himself in a position where he has to wait for a chance to reclaim the ONE bantamweight world championship, then so be it.

‘The Flash’ will return to the circle for the second time in 2022 when he faces rising bantamweight contender Stephen ‘The Sniper’ Loman. When the two men step inside the cage this Friday night, it could very well be for a world title opportunity. However, before either man can claim their shot, ONE Championship will need a champion.

After failing to make weight ahead of his ONE on Prime Video 3 main event, John Lineker was stripped of the bantamweight title, leaving only his opponent Fabricio Andrade eligible to capture the title.

It appeared as though Andrade was just moments away from doing just that until a flying knee landed lower than intended, striking Lineker’s groin and causing an injury the former champion couldn’t recover from. The bout was ruled a no-contest.

With the two slated to run it back in February at ONE on Prime Video 7, Bibiano Fernandes told ONE Championship that he is willing to remain patient and let them work things out before getting his own opportunity to capture ONE gold again:

“I think they [Andrade and Lineker] need to face each other again. After this fight, we will know who is the champion. So, we have to wait for that. And like I said, if the belt wants me back, I'll be there with arms wide open to welcome it back.”

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Bibiano Fernandes’ case for being the most dominant champion in ONE history

While Bibiano Fernandes’ goal is to get the bantamweight world title back that he lost earlier this year, it is hard to deny that ‘The Flash’ is already ONE Championship’s most dominant world champion.

With a record nine world title defenses, the Brazilian legend has beaten some of the best to step inside the circle. Speaking about his legacy with ONE, Fernandes said:

“I could see one thing: I was the most dominant champion in the ONE Championship. I defended the belt several times, while others who won the title in the division failed to do the same. I held that belt 11 times, and I don't know if there will be another athlete who will be able to do what I did. I was the most dominant fighter there ever was in the ONE Championship.”

Bibiano Fernandes will attempt to build upon his legacy this Friday night as ‘The Flash’ returns to take on Team Lakay’s Stephen Loman. Sitting in the No. 5 spot in the rankings, Loman will be looking to secure the biggest win of his career and make a case for a world title opportunity of his own.

Their showdown, along with the rest of ONE on Prime Video 4, will be broadcast live and for free on Amazon Prime Video for all its subscribers across North America.