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Bantamweights

John Lineker (36-10, 5-1 ONE) vs. Stephen Loman (16-2, 3-0 ONE)

The world’s fiercest pet shop owner returns when former Lineker battles a top bantamweight contender in Loman, who has not lost since early 2016. For those who do not recall, Lineker was done dirty by the UFC. The Brazilian was a top contender in the bantamweight division with exactly the type of crowd-pleasing striking style UFC President Dana White loves, but he was released after a split decision loss to Cory Sandhagen back in 2019 that could have gone either way. While Sandhagen has unquestionably improved since 2019, Lineker has declined, at least a little. He is 33—an age where bantamweights generally tend to start slipping—and has a lot of mileage on his body in the form of 47 pro fights. While he might be slightly slower and his reactions not quite as sharp, he is still an excellent fighter and a sensational striker; he is still one of the best bantamweights in the world. The 5-foot-3 terror generates tremendous power from both fists, along with the punches being both fast and sudden. He can slam them into the body and the head, and he carries true one-punch knockout power, with his left hook, in particular, being one of the best in the entire sport. He also has good wrestling and jiu-jitsu, and though he longer uses it much offensively, he has enough skill to nullify opponents seeking to grapple.

Loman is an excellent martial artist in his own right. As noted, he has not tasted defeat in more than seven years—a period that includes a 3-0 record in ONE and a 6-0 stint in the highly regarded Brave Combat Federation promotion, where he was bantamweight champion and defended his crown four times against quality opposition. Loman’s low southpaw stance makes him very difficult to hit, on top of his fine movement and defensive skills. He relies a lot on a powerful kick that he can aim to either the head or body. Additionally, he has power in his left hand and presents danger with the left cross, left hook and overhand left variants, the last of which can end the fight with a single connection. Unfortunately, he lacks a solid jab and his right hand can safely be ignored. Nevertheless, this is an excellent fighter who will be very tough to beat.

Of the fights on this card, many are looking forward to this one the most. Expect a close, high-level battle that sees the cards, with Lineker getting his hand raised.

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