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Stephen “The Sniper” Loman just isn’t quick on position fashions at Crew Lakay, however the Filipino rising star credit one man as his greatest affect.
The 26-year-old Loman – who will make his promotional debut towards Yusup “Maestro” Saadulaev at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II this Friday – singles out former light-weight king Eduard “Landslide” Folayang as his best inspiration.
“The individual I look as much as essentially the most needs to be Eduard,” he says.
“After I was solely beginning out and I didn’t know a lot about this sport, I used to be already watching him. I used to be already a fan. He was representing our nation and he grew to become a champion.”
Folayang is a 14-year veteran of blended martial arts and one of many Philippines’ pioneering athletes.
The 37-year-old captured two regional titles after which earned the headline slot at ONE’s inaugural occasion, ONE: CHAMPION VS CHAMPION, again in 2011.
5 years later, he claimed the ONE Light-weight World Title for the primary time with a third-round TKO of Japanese legend Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki.
Having witnessed his compatriot’s historic rise, “The Sniper” gained the assumption that he may emulate Folayang and work his approach to the highest.
“It was means again then when Eduard was in URCC and Martial Fight. In a way, I used to be impressed by him. I used to be a fan from that time on, by means of to his crowning glory in ONE when he grew to become the World Champion, up till now,” Loman says.
“His achievements actually encourage me. Seeing that he’s accomplished all these issues makes me really feel like I can do it too. I’m actually happy with how he has represented the staff and this nation as effectively.”
Whereas watching Folayang compete, the proficient Loman was making strides in his personal MMA profession. And after becoming a member of the well-known Crew Lakay in Baguio Metropolis, he bought the chance to witness his idol firsthand.
“The Sniper” was instantly impressed by the best way Folayang honed his craft throughout courses, however it wasn’t any kind of superhuman potential that made him stand out — it was his work ethic.
“Again once I enrolled as a beginner, [the pro team] would prepare first, after which we’d come after,” Loman says. “I may actually see the main focus in him throughout coaching periods. I may solely watch in awe again then.”
Because the younger fighter bought to know Folayang, that shine didn’t fade. As a substitute, he grew to become much more impressed by the celebrity’s down-to-earth perspective and willpower to succeed.
“At first I assumed he was scary, however because the time glided by, he confirmed me what the advantage of being a blended martial artist actually is,” Loman says.
“After I really bought to satisfy him, I actually noticed how he carries his values with him. I used to be in awe at how humble this man is and the way disciplined he’s. He’s not solely a extremely good fighter; he’s a fair higher human being.”
From that time on, “The Sniper” realized that if he put within the work and adopted Folayang’s lead, he may go on to attain his personal objectives.
And similar to his mentor, Loman earned championship gold on the regional circuit after which signed to compete on the planet’s largest martial arts group.
Now, he needs to proceed on that path and work his means towards the ONE Bantamweight World Title, taking the teachings he’s discovered from Folayang and making use of them to his journey.
“The primary factor I bought from him actually was the self-discipline,” Loman provides.
“The self-discipline in coaching, the self-discipline in our physique, and the worth of creating new expertise.”
On Friday, “The Sniper” will showcase his self-discipline and ability set towards a perennial contender in Saadulaev, and ONE Championship followers would possibly simply witness the beginning of one other Filipino’s unimaginable rise within the promotion.
Learn extra: 5 Causes To Watch ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II
