After six years, Stephen Loman is back home.
Considered as one of the most dominant bantamweight world champion, Loman returns to Brave Combat Federation after confirming on Facebook he has re-signed with the middle east MMA promotion, where he first rose to international prominence.
Loman, the inaugural and longest-reigning BRAVE CF Bantamweight Champion, leaves behind a brief but significant stint in ONE Championship to return to what he calls “home.”
The former world champion’s first tenure with the Bahrain-based organization was nothing short of legendary.
Amassing a perfect 6-0 record, he captured the inaugural bantamweight title in 2017 with a first-round technical knockout. He went on to record the most successful title defenses in the promotion’s history, holding the coveted crown for an incredible 1,179 days before departing in 2020.
“After a six-year hiatus, the most dominant Bantamweight in BRAVE Combat Federation history is back where he began. Filipino star Stephen “The Sniper” Loman has officially signed a multi-fight deal, marking his highly anticipated return to BRAVE CF, the promotion where he first rose to international prominence,” wrote Brave CF in its official Facebook page.
Despite his departure from ONE Championship, Loman expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to compete on a global stage, thanking ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong and carrying “nothing but good memories” from his time there. However, his focus is now singular: reclaiming his old throne.
“I can’t think of a better place to restart my career than with the organization that helped shape the fighter I am today. It’s official! I’m back in BRAVE, and that means I’m back HOME,” Loman shared in a passionate statement. “Hunting season begins soon, and my mission is clear: reclaim my place at the top of the bantamweight food chain.”
Loman’s return instantly injects a new level of excitement into the bantamweight division, where he is expected to challenge soon the reigning champion, Borislav Nikolić.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Loman concluded his announcement by appealing to his core support system—his team, family, and fellow Filipinos—for their continued support.
“The road ahead is long, challenging, and probably uncertain, but that is exactly where champions are forged,” he stated, promising to “continue to train harder, grow stronger, and push myself to excel in combat sports.” Roderick Osis