Returning to his roots in BRAVE Combat Federation, former bantamweight Stephen Loman is eager to get things going in 2026.
The new year marks a new beginning for former BRAVE CF bantamweight titlist Stephen Loman as he makes a comeback with the Bahrain-based promotion following his stint with ONE Championship.
Loman, 34, has been inactive since his loss against John Lineker way back in September 2023, which derailed his bid for the bantamweight crown in ONE Championship. Now, he’s dead set on making a resounding return as early as April.
As he chases to beat father time for a second wind of success in BRAVE, Loman said that he is putting everything on hold to hopefully get back in action — including his own honeymoon.
“My wife understands the demands of my career, and I am grateful for her support,” Loman said.
“She has been very patient and encouraging, and that means everything to me.”
Still, success won’t be handed on a silver platter for Loman, even as he was previously the longest-reigning bantamweight champion in BRAVE CF history.
In an essential restart to his career, the Baguio-based fighter is ready to do whatever it takes.
“I am determined to seize every opportunity in 2026,” Loman said.
”I am ready to work, to compete, and to show that I still belong at the top,” he added.
Grateful mindset
Though work is surely going to be grueling to come back from a layoff as long as Loman’s, he approaches each day with a renewed mindset.
Having gone through struggles during his recent years, he’s eager to get on the road of redemption.
“I am truly excited for 2026 because it guarantees that I will finally be back doing what I love,” Loman shared.
“This opportunity gives me something to look forward to every single day.”
Since his wedding and the Christmas season wrapped up, Loman has been hard at work at the Landslide Martial Arts Training Center, the headquarters of Baguio stable Lions Nation MMA.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.