Stephen Loman nears world title shot after huge win vs. Shoko Sato

Stephen Loman connects on a high kick to Shoko Sato. ONE Championship

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Stephen Loman believes he is just one win away from getting his crack for a second mixed martial arts world title.

He might have just done it.

Loman's aspirations of taking the ONE bantamweight title got a major boost on Saturday after beating Shoko Sato at ONE: X at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The former Brave CF bantamweight king showed his championship pedigree as he bucked off Sato's height and reach advantage thanks to his solid ground game.

Both fighters appeared to be similarly matched in terms of striking as Loman's aggression somehow made up for Sato's advantages.

The difference came in the grappling aspect as Loman scored two takedowns that slowed Sato down, especially in the final two rounds.

Despite missing out on the finish, Loman got the nod of the three judges for the unanimous decision win.

Loman, the number three ranked ONE Championship bantamweight who accepted the bout on short notice, moved up to 15-2, scoring his 10th straight win.

Sato, on the other hand, fell to 32-15.

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