ANOTHER world champion from Team Lakay is set to parade his wares at ONE Championship after bantamweight champ Stephen “The Sniper” Loman signed with the promotion.

Long part of Brave Combat Federation and was the longest-reigning champion there, Mr. Loman last month said that he was going to test free agency.

His move to ONE was confirmed by his coach Mark Sangiao late Tuesday night.

“Stephen Loman is one of the best fighters in the Philippines. His all-around skills will be on full display in ONE Championship,” said the Team Lakay coach.

Adding, “I spoke to Stephen and he’s highly motivated right now. He can’t wait to get in the Circle and put on a show. Of course, I’ll be there for him, as well as all of his teammates at Team Lakay, every step of the way.”

At Brave, Mr. Loman (13-2) was stellar, going undefeated in eight matches.

He won the bantamweight title in 2017 against Canadian-Indian Gurdarshan Mangat and successfully defended the belt four times, the last time against Ilias Sanoudakis of Canada in 2019 by way of unanimous decision.

In 2020, Mr. Loman did not get to see action because of the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s an overwhelming opportunity, but I’m excited to join my Team Lakay brothers in the biggest martial arts organization in the world,” said Mr. Loman in a statement.

“I’m excited to enhance my skills on this platform and showcase my style to millions of viewers across the globe. Of course, fighting in a new promotion and a new environment will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m more than willing to face. I’m ready to show ONE Championship fans the best of Stephen Loman,” he added.

At ONE, Mr. Loman joins reigning strawweight titleholder Joshua Pacio as well as former world champions Eduard Folayang (lightweight), Honorio Banario (featherweight), Kevin Belingon (bantamweight), and Geje Eustaquio (flyweight).

Other Team Lakay members at ONE are flyweight Danny Kingad, strawweight Lito Adiwang, atomweights Gina Iniong and April Osenio, and featherweight Edward Kelly.

It is still to be confirmed, however, if Mr. Loman will fight at bantamweight now that he is with ONE Championship.

He is expected to make his debut later this year. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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