Igorot Pride Defends Mixed Martial Arts Title in Belfast Tilt

Team Lakay members lift Stephen “The Sniper” Loman after a successful title defence in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  Loman received overwhelming support from the Igorot community in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. (Brave Combat Federation photo)

LONDON 01 October 2018 — Igorot pride and mixed martial arts (MMA) bantamweight champion Stephen “The Sniper” Loman knocked out Frans “The Black Mamba” Mlambo and successfully defended his title in a recent Brave Combat Federation match at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 

Mr. Loman is the first Filipino to win the said title in the competition’s history.

Despite a near knock-out in the first round, the Filipino fighter recovered swiftly and neutralized his opponent’s offenses down to the final round of the match.  Using his wrestling and heavy top game to overcome “The Black Mamba,” Mr. Loman secured his belt with a unanimous decision.

“I’m proud to represent the Philippines in one of the world’s biggest Mixed Martial Arts competitions,” he said. “My experience shows that through hard work, dedication, determination, and a good game plan, anything is possible.”

The Filipino win against Mr. Mlambo is his tenth since he began his career in MMA. Mr. Loman also triumphed over MMA champs Mark Abelardo and Gurdshan Mangat among others. 

“Stephen’s victory is a win for all Filipinos,” said Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo. “His achievement proves that indeed, the Filipino is world-class.”

Mr. Loman underwent intensive training in his hometown, Baguio City, under Mark Sangiao and Team Lakay to prepare for the historic title defence which was two years in the making.  Following his win in Belfast, Loman will proceed to Bahrain this November for another match. END

For more information, visit www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUK and @philippinesinuk on Twitter.

Stephen “The Sniper” Loman offers his win to God following what Brave Combat Federation dubbed as one of the most epic title defences in the competition’s history. (Brave Combat Federation photo)

Stephen Loman is declared the champion after overwhelming Frans Mlambo with a carefully executed game plan.

(Brave Combat Federation photo)