Stephen Loman, the longest reigning mixed martial arts world champion from the famed Team Lakay surpassing more than 1,000 days as a reigning champion, has opted to vacate his Brave Combat Federation bantamweight title to join another MMA promotion.
Team Lakay chair Mark Sangiao announced Tuesday night that Loman will join fellow Lakay fighters in ONE Championship, the biggest MMA promotion in Asia.
It has been more than a year since Loman defended his Brave CF bantamweight title against Ilias Sanoudakis, the same belt he kept for the past four years.
As a natural bantamweight, Loman will be in the same weight class once reigned over by former world champion Kevin Belingon.
“It’s an overwhelming opportunity, but I’m excited to join my Team Lakay brothers in the biggest martial arts organization in the world,” Loman said.
“I’m excited to enhance my skills on this platform and showcase my style to millions of viewers across the globe. Of course, fighting in a new promotion and a new environment will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m more than willing to face. I’m ready to show ONE Championship fans the best of Stephen Loman,” he added.
Team Lakay has established a commanding presence in ONE Championship, with former world champions Eduard Folayang, Geje Eustaquio, Honorio Banario, Belingon, and reigning ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio leading the charge.
Sangiao said he expects Loman to showcase his talents to millions of ONE fans, as his fighter wants to prove he is one of the best in the world.
“Stephen is one of the best fighters in the Philippines. His all-around skills will be on full display in ONE Championship. I spoke to him and he’s highly motivated right now. He can’t wait to get in the circle and put on a show,” Sangiao said. – Harley F. Palangchao
April 20, 2024
