Stephen Loman Predicts Fabricio Andrade Will Finish John Lineker In Bantamweight World Title Rematch
The ONE Bantamweight World Title rematch between John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade has MMA fans buzzing – but Stephen Loman will be watching with an especially vested interest.
The #3-ranked bantamweight contender could be next in line for the winner of the main event at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video, so he’ll be paying close attention to the action on Friday, February 24.
Above all, Loman anticipates a closely contested matchup at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
He knows that #1-ranked Andrade was in control before an unfortunate no contest in the first encounter with Lineker last October, but he also won’t write off the former divisional king’s chances.
With that in mind, “The Sniper” can see this rematch for the vacant throne going either way.
He explained:
“Andrade’s confidence is so high right now. I feel like he’s gotten his groove, and his striking is on another level now. His step-knee to the body is so lethal. That’s what makes him special – his knees, his kicks.
“On the flip side, I feel like if Lineker would tweak his game plan, he’d have a chance. He has very good wrestling and if he decides to use that more, I believe he has a good chance.”
Still, the Team Lakay representative finds it hard to look past Andrade, who’s in the midst of an incredible run in ONE Championship.
Undefeated in six outings since joining the organization, “Wonder Boy” amassed five wins with three KOs and one submission en route to his World Title shot.
Many thought Lineker would be the man to truly test Andrade’s striking prowess, but after seeing how the young phenom performed in the last contest, Loman believes he’s the favorite to earn the gold this time around.
He said:
“If you’re going to ask me to predict, I’d still have Andrade via technical knockout. I feel like he’s just going to pick up where he left off from that fight.”
Stephen Loman Gunning For His Own World Title Shot In 2023
Like Fabricio Andrade, Stephen Loman has looked incredible since he stepped up to the global stage of martial arts.
With three straight wins – including his latest victory over the most dominant ONE World Champion of all time, Bibiano Fernandes – the Filipino sensation has boosted himself into the bantamweight division’s upper echelon.
ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong publicly stated that “The Sniper” is ready to challenge for the gold in the near future. Loman agrees, and he’ll be waiting to take on whoever wears the crown after ONE Fight Night 7.
He said:
“Hearing things like that [from Sityodtong] really motivates me because little by little I’m inching toward my goal. Now I know that I have a chance this year. There are talks about me being next in line to face the winner between Lineker and Andrade this February, so that’s a big motivation for me.
“I feel like I’m totally ready for a World Championship fight. Whoever ends up winning the belt, I’m excited to face them. I just have to focus and step up on my training so I can hang with whoever ends up winning.”
Loman is clearly on the radar of the top dogs, with Andrade even calling him “boring” in a recent interview.
However, the surging Filipino won’t take the bait. If “Wonder Boy” holds the belt after February 24, Loman plans to let his fighting speak for itself inside the Circle.
He added:
“[Andrade] can talk all he wants. That’s his style. But when we meet, he’s going to feel what it’s like to face me. I’m just letting it be. I still look at him in high regard, he’s a very good fighter.”
