Khabib Nurmagomedov, Stephen Loman (© Brave Combat Federation)

Igorot mixed martial artist Stephen “The Sniper” Loman, 23, is still the reigning Brave Combat Federation Bantamweight Champion. Representing Team Lakay of Baguio City, Philippines, he has successfully defended his title again.

Loman’s second title defense was one of the main card events at “Brave 18: Bahrain” on November 16, 2018 at the Khalifa Sports City Arena, Isa Town, Bahrain. His challenger was Felipe Efrain, 24, of Sao Paolo, Brazil.

After five five-minute rounds, the bantamweight championship bout between Loman and Efrain was left in the hands of the judges. In the end, the referee raised the hand of the Filipino defending champion, who was declared the winner via unanimous decision and was crowned by reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov, 30, of Dagestan, Russia.

Winning at “Brave 18: Bahrain” improved Loman’s professional MMA record to 11 wins and 2 losses. It was the Team Lakay fighter’s fourth win in Brave CF and he remains undefeated in the promotion.

The victory made Loman the first ever Brave CF champion to have successfully defended his title twice. He is also the youngest reigning champion of the Bahrain-based MMA promotion.

The first time Loman successfully defended his title was at “Brave 13: Europe Evolution” at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland on June 9, 2018. Marking the first event of Brave CF in Europe, it was headlined by Loman and Frans “The Black Mamba” Mlambo, 27, who is representing Straight Blast Gym (SBG) Ireland of Dublin, Ireland.

It was a rematch almost two years after Loman defeated Mlambo during the inaugural event of Brave CF, which also took place in Bahrain. The rematch was left in the hands of the judges after five five-minute rounds and the verdict was a unanimous decision victory in favor of the reigning Brave CF Bantamweight Champion.

Meanwhile, here are Carlos Kremer, Kirik Jenness, Yousef Nassar and Farah Hannoun talking about the”Brave 18: Bahrain” fight card prior to the fight night: