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Stephen “The Sniper” Loman has a second likelihood to make a powerful first impression on the worldwide fan base – and this time, it’s all techniques go.
After testing optimistic for COVID-19 and being pressured to withdraw from his primary occasion showdown with #1-ranked bantamweight combined martial arts contender John “Palms of Stone” Lineker in April, the Filipino is wholesome and able to make his ONE Championship debut.
This time, the Workforce Lakay consultant will probably be going through #3-ranked Yusup “Maestro” Saadulaev at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II, which airs from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 17 December.
Saadulaev brings a formidable 20-5-1 (1 NC) file into the competition and hasn’t suffered a loss within the bantamweight division since July 2014. The Dagestani owes a lot of his dazzling success to his wealthy grappling prowess, which has helped him submit 11 opponents.
Whereas Workforce Lakay is legendary for its devastating model of wushu placing, Loman is a part of the health club’s new era of athletes, who complement their devastating stand-up arsenals with robust submission video games.
Due to that, “The Sniper” – who holds a 14-2 skilled file – feels significantly assured heading into this three-round affair.
On this sit-down interview with ONEFC.com, the Filipino breaks down Saadulaev, shares his ideas on the canceled bout with Lineker, and explains why he won’t ever combat his Workforce Lakay stablemate and #2-ranked bantamweight contender, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon.
ONE Championship: How’s your preparation going to your upcoming match towards Yusup Saadulaev?
Stephen Loman: I used to be alleged to make my debut earlier this yr, however sadly, I acquired COVID. The great factor is as quickly as I recovered, I stored coaching for seven months till I acquired known as as much as face Yusup. Now, I’m actually prepared as a result of I’ve been making ready for a very long time.
ONE: You have been initially alleged to make your debut towards John Lineker at “ONE on TNT III” in April. Had been you annoyed that you just needed to withdraw from that combat?
SL: I really ready for it for 2 months, however possibly it’s not for me. Certain, it left me a bit annoyed, particularly since that occurred throughout the peak of the pandemic. I nonetheless took it positively – with optimistic emotions, I imply.
I simply take a look at it as possibly it wasn’t [meant] for me but. Have a look at my substitute, Troy [Worthen] – Lineker knocked him out. That might have been me, so possibly it’s not for me but.
ONE: After Lineker knocked out Worthen, he earned a ONE Bantamweight World Title shot. For those who may have fought Lineker and gained, do you suppose that you’d’ve gotten the World Title shot as an alternative?
SL: Yeah, in fact, I’ve been eager about that. Generally, I actually really feel at a loss as a result of that was such a giant alternative for me and I needed to pull out due to COVID. However at the least I noticed that I’m not that far off from a World Title shot and that makes me extra motivated than ever.
ONE: Do you suppose you’ll convey that frustration with you to the Circle towards Saadulaev at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II?
SL: Sure, in fact, particularly now that I’m nonetheless going through one other ranked contender in Saadulaev. The frustrations I had then with the cancellation of that match [with Lineker] solely motivates me to organize tougher for this match. I simply must be assured and consider in my abilities.
ONE: You’re on an eight-bout profitable streak. How assured are you getting into your ONE debut?
SL: I’m definitely assured, and I’m motivated trigger that is one other problem for me. I’m going through the perfect of the division immediately in Saadulaev. I truthfully thought I used to be going to begin on the backside of the rankings, so I used to be shocked to see [the matchmakers] lining up all of the contenders. I actually must be at my greatest. That streak provides me the boldness that I can grasp with anyone.
ONE: Let’s speak extra about Saadulaev. Break down his abilities for us. What do you suppose is his weak spot, and the place do you suppose he’s the strongest?
SL: I believe his weak spot is within the stand-up recreation. I’m not wanting previous it, although. I consider that his stand-up appears good, but when I am going toe-to-toe with him, I do know I can beat him there. The place he’s actually robust is his wrestling and grappling. We’ve seen that in his previous fights, he’s been choking his opponents left and proper, and that’s one thing I’ve to organize for.
ONE: However do you suppose you’ll be able to knock him out?
SL: That’s the plan. I’ll be searching for a clear shot. I’ll be utilizing my actions. He’s a southpaw like me, so I actually must watch out when searching for that clear shot. Nevertheless, if there’s an opportunity for me, whether or not on the toes and even on the bottom, I’ll take it.
ONE: Because you come from Workforce Lakay, which is understood for its wushu-based placing, do you suppose Saadulaev is wanting previous your floor recreation?
SL: Properly, he shouldn’t be too assured. In our staff, we’ve got completely different combating types. I’ve been engaged on my floor recreation for a very long time, so I hope he’s not overconfident. I’ll present it in our combat.
ONE: For those who beat him, does that put you in line for a ONE Bantamweight World Title shot?
SL: I’m not wanting previous this combat. I’ve to concentrate on it first. My first aim is to win this bout and get myself into the rankings. To reply that although, if they provide me a World Title shot after this, why not? I’ll seize the chance.
ONE: Your teammate, Kevin Belingon, is the #2-ranked bantamweight. If it comes right down to it, would you be prepared to combat him?
SL: No likelihood. No likelihood in any respect. We’re coaching companions. We’re brothers in arms throughout coaching. I wouldn’t need to face him within the Circle. Let’s simply go away the scrap throughout sparring.
Learn extra: The Untold Story Of Workforce Lakay
