With his newfound wrestling and ground game, Stephen Loman looks forward to get past knock out artist John Lineker in their match up September 29 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in One Championship Fight Night 14.
Hurdling Lineker means Lomam will firmly be set on earning a shot at the coveted bantamweight world title, currently held by the Fabricio Andrade.
Loman believes his transformation, particularly on his newfound wrestling and ground game will be a potent tool that might just pave his way to a defeating a known brawler.
“John is a high-caliber opponent, we all know that but I prepared a lot for him and for this fight. I am ready. A win against him will give me a shot to the title,” said Loman who is on an 11-fight win streak since 2016.
Aside from wrestling coach Ali Heyderabadi, Team Lakay has also added jujitsu coach Nahuel Gandolfi to make sure Loman’s ground game will be his main weapon against Lineker.
Loman together with Team Lakay’s head coach Mark Sangiao’s decision to focus on improving his wrestling and ground game is seen to bring in dividends not only in his bout against Lineker but in his future bouts while acknowledging the importance of versatility in the sport.
Facing Liniker, a fighter with a penchant for knocking opponents out, will undoubtedly test Loman’s newly honed skills with the Brazillian’s striking ability and knockout power well-documented, making it a risky proposition to engage him in a stand-up battle.
But Loman said he is not afraid to go toe-to-toe against Lineker but the Ifugao native said his approach to this fight will show how he has matured and become an intelligent fighter
Sangiao meanwhile said Loman needs to dictate the pace of the fight to be able to slow down Lineker’s attack.
Loman is currently 3-0 in ONE and has showcased his finishing ability with a TKO win over Yusup Saadulaev in his debut.
The surging star has taken out two more elite contenders since then, blending his kickboxing with grappling to threaten his rivals in every range.
But he will have his hands full against the former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion and current #1-ranked contender boasting of 18 knockouts overall in his career. RDO
