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| After six years, Stephen Loman is back at Brave CF. Brave CF (file photo) |
MANILA--It's official: Stephen Loman has returned home.
Brave Combat Federation confirmed on Wednesday that the now Lions Nation MMA talent is coming back to the promotion where his rise to stardom began.
“Stephen Loman is a true pioneer of Brave CF and one of the athletes who has helped shape the identity of our organization. We are incredibly proud to welcome him back after several years away. His skill, dedication, and championship pedigree make him a fighter worthy of any stage in the world. Brave CF is committed to supporting Stephen every step of the way, and we cannot wait to see him return to the cage to continue building his legacy,” Brave president Mohammed Shahid said in a statement.
Loman was part of Brave's inaugural staging in 2016, and after a one-night-only return to the PXC, he became the first Brave bantamweight champ the following year, knocking out Gurdarshan Mangat.
Loman remained Brave's champ at 135 pounds for two years, successfully defending the belt four times, including one at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on March 15, 2019.
He only let go of the title when he made the jump to ONE Championship in 2021
Despite now needing to play at 145 pounds, Loman was on track to go after the ONE bantamweight title when he won three straight bouts with the said promotion, including a stunner against former bantamweight champ Bibiano Fernandes.
Loman's hot winning streak, which was at 11, dating back to his PXC days, was snapped by a unanimous decision loss to John Lineker at ONE Fight Night 14 in 2023.
Loman never got to return to an MMA cage since the Lineker loss, and two years after the said outcome, ONE confirmed Loman's departure, which came a day after Brave teased his return to its fold.
With the signing made official, Loman is making a homecoming to Brave after six years.
“Being back with Brave CF feels like coming home. This is the promotion that gave me my first big opportunity on the international stage and believed in me when I was just starting out. I am deeply grateful to Mr. Mohammed Shahid for welcoming me back with open arms. I am motivated, focused, and ready to give the fans everything I have as I work toward reclaiming the championship and making my mark once again,” said Loman, who agreed on a multi-fight deal.
Loman is expected to make his return bout at Brave next year as he begins his bid to reclaim the bantamweight belt currently held by Borislav Nikolic.
