ONE Championship News Roundup: Eduard Folayang believes Stephen Loman can be iconic bantamweight, ONE Championship returns to Manila with a bang, Jonathan Haggerty ready for Vladimir Kuzmin

Welcome to today's edition of the daily Sportskeeda ONE Championship News Roundup, where we present the promotion's most important stories.

Today we discuss Stephen Loman potentially becoming one of the greatest0ever bantamweights in ONE Championship, the promotion’s return to the Philippines after more than two years, and Jonathan Haggerty’s match against Vladimir Kuzmin.

---

#3. Eduard Folayang says Stephen Loman can "cement his place among the greatest bantamweights" if he beats Bibiano Fernandes

Eduard Folayang is by far one of ONE Championship’s greatest-ever fighters. He feels that his young teammate, Stephen Loman, has what it takes to join him in the organization’s history books.

The former ONE lightweight world champion said that Loman can reach the pinnacle of the sport if he beats the legendary Bibiano Fernandes in his next match inside the circle.

Loman, the No.5-ranked bantamweight contender, will take on Fernandes, a former two-time ONE bantamweight world title, in the biggest fight of his career to date. The bout is set for ONE on Prime Video 4 on November 18 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Folayang said that Loman beating Fernandes could lead to him building a legendary mixed martial arts career.

“Filipino fans are in for a treat. If Stephen Loman can beat Bibiano Fernandes, it will be huge. He will cement his place among the greatest bantamweights in ONE.”

Loman is just starting out his ONE Championship career, going 2-0 in his first two matches. He will no doubt move closer to a world title shot if he beats Fernandes.

---

#2. “Philippines versus the world” - ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong promises explosive return to Manila

Manila has always been one of the major cities that ONE Championship has had a foothold on. However, the promotion hasn’t staged a show in the capital for more than two years now due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Well, the promotion is set for an explosive return with two high-profile events taking place this December at the Mall of Asia Arena.

ONE on Prime Video 5 is set for December 2 and ONE 164 is scheduled for just a few hours later.

ONE 164 will be the promotion’s year-ending card and it is stacked with Filipino talent. ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong has even called it “Philippines versus the world.”

In an interview with CNN Sports Desk, Sityodtong said:

“You know, I'm so fired up. We haven't been to the Philippines in a few years due to COVID. And we've come back with a spectacular card. Essentially, the theme is the Philippines versus the world.”

So far, there are five Filipinos who will step inside the circle at ONE 164. ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio’s world title defense against Jarred Brooks will serve as the headliner for the event.

---

#1. “He might try and bully me” - Jonathan Haggerty thinks Vladimir Kuzmin will use his size and strength

British superstar Jonathan Haggerty has made a legacy in the flyweight division, but he’s now moving up a weight class and taking on the dangerous Vladimir Kuzmin in his bantamweight debut.

The former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion will take on Kuzmin at ONE on Prime Video 4 and he’s already predicting what could happen inside the circle.

In an interview with The MMA Superfan, ‘The General’ said he expects to have a tough time against Kuzmin. However, he’s been preparing for whatever the Russian striker throws.

“I feel like maybe he might try and bully me since I’m coming up from flyweight. We know he’s got good punches. We got a game plan and we’ll use it like we always do. We’re excited and we’re ready.”

Kuzmin is a natural bantamweight and Haggerty predicts that he’ll have a rough game plan for their match in Singapore.

Nonetheless, Haggerty is ready and he’ll display the same tenacity that led him to his first world title in ONE Championship.

“I’ll just get ready. I’m going to come and put my all in the cage like I always do. I’ll fight with my heart. There’s no backing down. I’m just excited to please the fans.”

Catch the full interview below: