Stephen Loman recently announced a return to BRAVE CF, with his return set to be against Georgian contender Lasha Abramishvili. Now, that comeback fight will be taking on even greater meaning for the Filipino.
That’s because the bantamweight championship is now vacant. The timing could not be better.
The 31-year-old Filipino bantamweight will make his BRAVE CF re-debut versus Abramishvili at BRAVE CF 108 on September 5 at the historic Pula Arena in Croatia—and what was already a high-stakes eliminator has become something significantly more consequential. Borislav Nikolić relinquished the BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Championship to pursue a UFC opportunity, and the throne he vacated now sits empty ahead of a matchup between the division’s No. 2 contender and its longest-reigning champion in history.
Stephen Loman Wants Title Back
Loman was the first-ever BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion, claiming the title in November 2017 with a first-round TKO of Gurdarshan Mangat before holding it for a record 1,179 days and successfully defending it four times. He gave up the belt to pursue opportunities elsewhere, never losing it inside the cage.
Now he wants it back.
“With the championship vacant, I believe the winner of this fight should be next in line,” Loman told ESPN Philippines. “Beating an opponent like Lasha should leave no doubt about who deserves that opportunity.”
BRAVE CF has yet to confirm whether the vacant title will officially be on the line at BRAVE CF 108. But Loman’s position on the matter is unambiguous.
“I came back to BRAVE CF because I want to be champion again. That is the goal. I want to prove I still belong at the top and earn the chance to fight for the belt once more,” he said.
A Challenging Road That Could Lead to a Championship
The path back has not been smooth. Loman’s last fight was a disputed decision loss to UFC veteran John Lineker on the ONE Championship stage in September 2023. He spent over two years on the sidelines, repeatedly seeking his release from ONE and expressing frustration over his inactivity. When that release came in December 2025, he rejoined BRAVE CF quickly—only for regional unrest to delay his planned return further.
Abramishvili arrives unbeaten in BRAVE CF at 4-0 and carries genuine momentum. Loman is not dismissing the threat.
“I respect Lasha because he has earned his place, but I also know what I bring into this fight,” Loman said. “I have stayed disciplined, I have never stopped preparing, and I believe my experience will make the difference.”
He also left no doubt about how he views his championship history.
“I never lost that championship in a fight. I had to give it up because I moved on. Now, I have the chance to win it back.”
