Stephen “The Sniper” Loman will be watching with a vested interest when John “Hands of Stone” Lineker collides with Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade in the main event of ONE Fight Night 7 next Friday, February 24.
The two are set to renew their rivalry inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, four months after their initial meeting for the ONE Bantamweight World Title was ruled a no contest due to an illegal shot.
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For the #3-ranked contender, though, this match will be a great opportunity for him to take a closer peek into his rivals’ arsenal – with a shot at the bantamweight crown within sight.
Fight ready Stephen Loman talks about John Lineker’s winning chances
“I feel like I’m totally ready for a World Championship fight. Whoever ends up winning the belt, I’m excited to face them,” the Team Lakay representative shared.
“I just have to focus and step up on my training so I can hang with whoever ends up winning.”
But while he’s eager to lay his hands on the winner of the match, Loman is more interested to see how each fighter will push themselves to a victory in this heated rematch.
Lineker may have been dominated by the high-flying Muay Thai stylist in the first encounter, but the former divisional king has the power to put anyone to sleep.
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“Hands of Stone” also owns a decent ground game, which Loman feels he should pull into play next week.
“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.”
Money on Fabricio Andrade
But due to the tempo and the nature of the first battle, the Filipino fighter feels Andrade could leave the iconic stadium with a monumental victory and the ONE gold.
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One of the factors that have made “The Sniper” pick the 25-year-old star is how strong and elusive he was against one of the most accomplished knockout artists in MMA.
“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,” he pointed out.
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Read more: “This Is My Moment” – Fabricio Andrade Certain He Will Leave ONE Fight Night 7 As Bantamweight King
“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.”