“He’s not an ordinary fighter” - Stephen Loman knows he’s in the biggest fight of his career against Bibiano Fernandes

Stephen Loman is in for the biggest fight of his MMA career against decorated martial arts veteran Bibiano Fernandes at ONE on Prime Video 4.

The Filipino stalwart hasn’t been challenged by a fighter of Fernandes’ caliber yet, however, on Friday, November 18, Loman vows to flip the script in what could be a potential world title eliminator bout with Fernandes.

Defeating the No.3-ranked bantamweight contender will be no easy task, as his fellow training partner Kevin Belingon at Team Lakay can attest to. But it’s now or never for the 30-year-old Filipino fighter.

Speaking to ONE Championship, Loman said his goals are simple - defeat Bibiano Fernandes first and then everything else will fall into its proper place:

“I really need to win against Bibiano first because we know that he’s not an ordinary fighter.”

As Loman stated, ‘The Flash’ Bibiano Fernandes is not to be considered lightly.

He’s a multiple-time BJJ world champion, a former Dream champion, and is the longest-reigning world champion with the most-title defenses in ONE’s history. So some of the weapons to look out for are his jiu-jitsu and powerful right hooks.

However, Loman offers a more diverse skillset. A former Brave FC champion, Loman is a high-level, high-volume striker with a strong wrestling foundation; weapons that could pay dividends if the fight is prolonged.

Despite the 12-year age gap between the two, Loman knows better than to underestimate his opponent’s strength and speed.

Watch Stephen Loman's incredible ONE debut at ONE: Winter Warriors below:

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Bibiano Fernandes hails Stephen Loman as a “great fighter”

Stephen Loman isn’t the only man impressed by what his opponent has to offer on November 18. Bibiano Fernandes recently hailed Loman as a “great fighter” who has a good chance of beating him in a striking contest. He told ONE Championship:

“Stephen Loman is a great fighter. He’s in great physical shape, he’s a fighter who hits and moves all the time. He kicks a lot, throws overhands with his left hand, and moves a lot in the cage. He’s an excellent fighter.”

Fernandes is looking to bounce back from a devastating TKO loss against fellow Brazilian John Lineker this past February. Understanding the newest challenges Loman represents, ‘The Flash’ hopes to make the right adjustments and prove to the world that he can compete with a new generation of mixed martial artists.