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| Stephen Loman with Khabib Nurmagomedov |
The Bahrain-based BRAVE Combat Federation has made strides into becoming one of the more known combat sports promotions since its establishment back in late 2016.
With almost fifty live events under its belt and holding them across twenty different countries, including the Philippines, BRAVE CF is considered as one of the fastest-growing mixed martial arts outfits.
Come next year, they will continue to make more milestones, as they are set to hold their first-ever event in Russia.
Set to take place in January 16 at Sochi, the fight card may potentially include a Filipino to mark that special occasion.
According to BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid, "The Philippines has been a focus for BRAVE Combat Federation from the very beginning. From time to time, warriors from the Philippines prove that they have not only the skill to compete at the international level but also the heart that matters when it comes to combat sports."
Although no official announcement has been made, there are five potential Pinoy fighters who may have a shot at landing a spot on that Sochi card.
Stephen Loman. At 14-2, the Team Lakay standout is probably the one that has the best profile amongst the potential fighters. Loman has been the headliner of three of BRAVE CF's cards, including their first fight event in the Philippines back in March 2019.
The 25-year-old is the first BRAVE CF Bantamweight world champion and its longest-reigning titleholder. However, he has yet to fight since a unanimous decision victory over Louie Sanoudakis at BRAVE CF 30 last November 2019.
According to Shahid, "I really believe that he (Loman) will take the sport of MMA to another level in the Philippines. He keeps on proving that he is a deserving champion. He is the biggest combat athlete in the Philippine along with Manny Pacquiao. I said it before and I'll say it again."
He adds, "People say we gave him the opportunity, but it's actually the opposite. He gave us the honor of fighting in our organization. I was sad that not a lot of Filipinos knew him, but now I'm the happiest man because the country found a new hero, a fighter who proudly represents the country."
Rolando Dy. The second-generation combat star has been a fixture in the mixed martial arts scene of the Philippines for almost a decade. The son of boxing legend Rolando Navarrete, he is best remembered by BRAVE CF aficionados for his knockout victory over Mehmosh Raza on BRAVE CF 22, where his left hook-right straight combination in the first round sent the Pakistani's mouthguard flying.
Dy is fresh from improving his record to 14-9 after a unanimous decision win over John Brewin in a lightweight title eliminator last November 5 during BRAVE CF 44. The victory earned him a title shot against Amin Ayoub, and both guys are expected to eventually face off for the belt.
Jeremy Pacatiw. Another standout from Team Lakay, The 24-year-old owns the record for most fights under the BRAVE CF banner. His ten victories include wins against Thiago Dela Coleta, Keith Lee, Uloomi Karim, and Mark Alcoba, with his latest being a first-round thwarting of former title contender Felipe Efrain back in December 2019 during BRAVE CF 33.
Pacatiw hopes to add Russia to his well-stamped passport, having fought in places like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Morocco, Brazil, Bahrain, India, and Indonesia.
Harold Banario. He's better known as Honorio's younger brother, but Harold is no slouch. After taking a four-year hiatus to purse college, the Team Lakay fighter used a kneebar submission to make Ariel Oliveros tap in BRAVE CF 22.
Banario, however, will be hoping Sochi becomes the place where he can redeem himself, after bowing to Gamzat Magomedov at BRAVE CF 33 for his second defeat in seven matches.
Jomar Pa-ac. Another member of Team Lakay, Pa-ac has won three of his last four BRAVE CF appearances, his last one being an unanimous decision victory over Satya Behuria on BRAVE CF 22.
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