Former ONE bantamweight world champion Kevin Belingon has heard that Brazilian Fabricio Andrade wants to fight Stephen Loman, and he likes his teammate’s chances should the two young bantamweights collide.
Moments after his huge first round win over Kwon Won Il, Andrade has approached Team Lakay chair Mark Sangiao to inform of his interest in fighting Loman, who was the longest reigning world champion in Brave Combat Federation before he joined ONE Championship.
Belingon said the 24-year-old Andrade must be prepared for the beating of his life since Loman, 27, is not betting anything on the judges.
“I think Stephen can submit him or knock him out. His striking is different. If they face, I think he will either knock him or submit him,” Belingon said.
Loman, the fourth-ranked contender in the bantamweight division, is yet to taste a loss in ONE. His debut in the promotion was arguably his best fight to date.
The Team Lakay star decimated the erstwhile third-ranked fighter Yusup Saadulaev in the first round of their bout in December 2021.
Loman had no problems tagging Saadulaev in their fight and he ended the match with a cracking left overhand that instantly knocked the cobwebs out of the Russian brawler.
Belingon understands why Andrade has been wanting a match with Loman.
Andrade is one of the fastest rising stars in ONE going on a five-fight winning streak with the last three victories coming by way of knockout. He has stopped Team Lakay’s Jeremy Pacatiw via knockout when the latter did not recover after he absorbed a knee to the body from the Brazilian fighter.
“Maybe Andrade just wanted to prove that he is the best. He is walking the talk. We have seen his previous fights, he really performed to the highest level. His timing is impeccable. He is a great fighter,” Belingon said.
Andrade currently has eight wins and two losses while Loman has 15 wins and two losses. – Harley F. Palangchao
