Get in line, Loman tells fellow ONE bantamweight title contender

MANILA, Philippines – Team Lakay’s Stephen Loman issued a stern warning to Korean bantamweight contender Kwon Won Il after the latter called out ONE bantamweight world champion Fabricio Andrade following an impressive win over Artem Belakh at ONE Fight Night 11 last week.

Loman doesn’t have any interest in stepping aside for the Korean, with his eyes set on Andrade’s belt.

“I think he’s forgotten about me,” Loman said of Kwon.

“When I beat Bibiano [Fernandes], I knew that I was closer to a world title shot. Kwon already lost to Andrade, and I believe he knows that I’m the next in line… Kwon, you better wait,” he added.

Currently, Loman is the second-ranked contender for the crown, just behind former titlist John Lineker. Kwon, meanwhile, is at No. 4.

The fighter out of Baguio City has earned his place as one of the biggest challenges to Andrade’s belt, which the Brazilian has also recognized — calling out Loman himself after winning the crown over Lineker last February.

Despite his insistence at being next to vie for the bantamweight strap, Loman also isn’t backing away should ONE Championship decide he needs to face Kwon first.

Confident in his own skills, as he currently holds a 3-0 record in the Singapore promotion, Loman is ready any time.

“If ever we face each other, I still believe I’m at an advantage. I believe my movement and wrestling will make him struggle,” he said of the Korean. 

“If I get him down, I can probably submit him. That’s my advantage over him.”

Meanwhile, as Loman waits for his next target, he continues to sharpen his arsenal. With the likes of Eduard Folayang, Joshua Pacio, and Kevin Belingon already out of Team Lakay, he is now poised to bring a new era to the Baguio-based stable.

Once a haven of world champions, Loman has the chance to renew that vigor.

“Even if there’s no scheduled fight for me yet, training continues. I’ve been working on my weaknesses. I’ve been working on my conditioning and adding strength while polishing my striking,” he said. 

“There’s already a set program should there be a fight offered, but for now, I’m just training to stay in shape.”