Stephen Loman set to leave Brave

Stephen Loman is now looking for a new home. Brave CF (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Stephen Loman, the longest reigning active Filipino mixed martial arts champion, pulled off a shocker when he said on Thursday that he is leaving Brave Combat Federation.

"Really, hard work pays off and as I leave, I'd want to say that it was of a great honor to fight in Brave and to hold and wave our nation's flag there," Loman said in a statement. "It was so fulfilling representing Philippines in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. I'm very proud."

The Baguio native stunned everyone at Brave when he knocked out Gurdarshan Mangat on Nov. 17, 2017 to become the Brave bantamweight champion.

Loman successfully defended his belt four times, including one in Brave's first and only fight card so far in the Philippines on March 15, 2019.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Loman took the entire 2020 off.

He later said that he is now seeking greener pastures.

"In the future, I strongly hope to join other promotions to fight, test my skills and once again, prove that I'm indeed a champion," Loman continued.

One possible option for Loman is joining One Championship, where most of his Team Lakay comrades are signed into, including seniors Eduard Folayang and Honorio Banario.

In spite of his free agency, Loman remains grateful to Brave and vowed that he will bring his championship pedigree to his new promotion.

"It was a great journey with Brave and expect that I'll keep pressing on, and to continue to be an inspiration," he concluded.