STEPHEN Loman overcame a tough challenge from Brazilian Felipe Efrain to retain his bantamweight title in Brave Combat Federation Saturday morning (Philippine time, November 17) at the Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain.
The Team Lakay fighter escaped a near guillotine choke submission in the second round and started to pound Efrain as Loman maintained his pace throughout the fight until the final bell in the fifth round to earn a unanimous decision victory.
"I'm very happy and this means everything to me. My opponent very strong and her absorbed many punch but he was still standing," said Loman in a post-fight interview.
Although Loman was the champion, he went inside the cage an underdog against his opponent who has finished eight of his opponents via knock out and two submission. Efrain now holds a record of 13 wins and four losses and was coming of a huge win against Arnold Quero with a first round stoppage in August.
With the victory, Loman improves to 11 - 2, and enjoying a six fight winning streak which dates back to April 2016 coming of a loss against Rex de Lara in Janaury 2016.
Loman is the first fighter from the Philippines to be crowned as a world champion in Bahrain’s first MMA promotion after knocking out Gurdarshan Mangat within the first round in November 2016 and was crowned by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Later, Loman made his first historic title defense in United Kingdom where he faced former IMMAF gold medalist Frans Mlambo in a fight that went all five rounds to be decided in favor of Loman.
Prior to the bout, the bantamweight champion alongside Rolden Loman and coach Mark Sangiao paid a courtesy call to the Ambassador of Philippines to Bahrain, His Excellency Alfonso A Ver.
During his visit to the embassy, Loman was greeted by members of the expatriate community from the Philippines. Loman expressed his willingness to pursue his studies in criminology to serve his country and the society.
"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 Loman.