Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio likes Stephen Loman’s chances when he meets #1-ranked bantamweight contender John “Hands of Stone” Lineker at “ONE on TNT III” this April.
Loman, the former Brave CF Bantamweight Champion, will make his ONE Championship debut against the Brazilian on Wednesday, April 21 (Thursday, April 22 PH time). The bout serves as the evening’s main event.
Eustaquio believes Loman may be the answer to the problem that is Lineker.
“John Lineker has that special knockout power. He will walk you down, and he’s going to unload on you. But Stephen has great footwork, moves a lot. He’s a complete athlete. I think this is going to be a good fight. As good as Lineker is, I think Stephen is his Kryptonite,” said Eustaquio.
“They both have good experience behind them. It’s just a good contrast of styles. I’m excited to see how they clash in the Circle. I know fans are going to be very happy with the action, no matter the result.”
Lineker is one of the most feared bantamweights, not only in ONE Championship, but in the entire world. The Brazilian knockout artist was last in the Circle in October, when he finished Loman’s Team Lakay senior, former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin Belingon inside of two rounds.
Team Lakay knows Loman is up against massive odds, and they’re doing everything they can to equip “The Sniper” with the right tools for battle.
“Of course, we’re doing our best to prepare Stephen for war as best as we can. We’ve all got fights lined up in the near future, so we’re in full gear in training. Even when we don’t have fights scheduled, we’re always training. Conditioning won’t be a problem,” said Eustaquio.
“And we’ve had experience against Lineker before, so we know what to expect.”
“ONE on TNT III” is the third installment in the “ONE on TNT” event series, which broadcasts in the United States on prime time via B/R Live and TNT. Other bouts include a Muay Thai showdown between striking icons Nieky “The Natural” Holzken and “The Gunslinger” John Wayne Parr, as well as a heavyweight appearance from UWW Wrestling World Champion Amir Aliakbari.
Eustaquio believes Loman has just the right experience to perform at his highest level. He believes his teammate is ready to enter the Circle the best he’s ever been.
“The production, all the media you have to do, the cameras — it’s all overwhelming. But Stephen has been a champion for a long time. He’s been in our corners for our biggest fights in ONE. He knows what to expect,” said Eustaquio.
“I think he’s ready to shine under the world’s brightest lights.”
