Stephen Loman fended off the submission attempts of his challenger to retain his Brave Combat Federation (BCF) Bantamweight title on November 17, 2018 (Philippine time) at the Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain.
“The Sniper” utilized combinations of strikes, takedowns and a disciplined defense to escaped a guillotine choke and a busted nose courtesy of his Brazilian adversary Felipe Efrain to win the bout.
Efrain actually entered as the favorite even though he was the challenger due to his with three knock out of the night wins in the promotion and reach advantage,
Loman started the bout with strikes coming from a distance to size up his opponent which also prevented him to connect his power shots.
He then proceeded to press his attack by mixing takedowns with his strike to start the second. He, however, got caught up with the choke in the process but managed to escape the hold. Loman proceeded to end the round raining fists and elbows on Efrain.
Efrain got aggressive in the third and was able to land a hit that busted Loman’s nose causing it to bleed. Loman, however, still controlled the action by avoiding exchanges while landing shots of his own.
He maintained this pace in the final two rounds. A wayward shot to the groin by the challenger momentarily stopped the fight but Loman was not to be denied in getting the unanimous decision win in one of the bouts of the Brave 18 card.
His win impressed Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was among the audience that night. The reigning undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion also handed Loman the belt after the bout.
Loman improves his career record to 11-2 and extended his winning run to six. He also has the most number of successful world championship title defenses.
Efrain, who loves to take out his opponents early in the bout, drops to 13-4.
The win also increased the chances of Brave Combat Federation hosting an event in Philippines in 2019 with the reigning champion is most likely to headline it.
Loman became the first Filipino to hold a world in the BCF when he knocked out Gurdarshan Mangat in the first round of their bout in Brave 9 over a year ago where he also became the youngest world champion ever in BCF. He would defend his title a year later when he outlasted Frans Mlambo in a five-round Brave 13 bout last June 10, coming out with a unanimous decision victory.
Earlier, Loman, his father Rolden and Team Lakay Coach Mark Sangiao visited the Ambassador of Philippines to Bahrain, His Excellency Alfonso A Ver, where the trio was greeted by members of expatriate community from Philippines.
“I am grateful towards my country and countrymen for the support and motivation that helps me to achieve more. Also at Team Lakay we are taught valuable lessons of discipline, determination and respect. I have prepared well to give my best at Brave 18 and to bring honour to my nation”, said Stephen Loman.
During the visit, Loman expressed his willingness to pursue his studies in criminology to serve his country and the society.
By: ARMANDO M. BOLISLIS
Photos by: Brave Combat Federation
