Filipino athletes have been on the rise internationally in recent weeks, and MMA standout Stephen Loman looks to borrow some of that shine from a budding Filipina superstar.
“The Sniper” will make his much‑anticipated return to BRAVE CF on Saturday, September 5, in the co‑main event of BRAVE CF 108, where he will square off with Lasha Abramishvili in a bantamweight bout.
With only days left before the marquee matchup, Loman is looking toward 21‑year‑old tennis sensation Alex Eala for inspiration.
Eala is enjoying a monumental year after claiming her first‑ever WTA title this past July at the Mubadala D.C. Open, with a thundering 4‑6, 6‑4, 6‑0 performance against Jessica Pegula. Her triumph propelled her to a career‑high ranking of 18—the highest‑ranked woman in Southeast Asian history.
Loman Inspired by Eala’s Success
For Loman, that level of drive and success is nothing short of awe‑inspiring.
“It is inspiring to see Alex making history for the Philippines. She has accomplished things that we have never seen before in Filipino tennis, and it is great to see our country gaining recognition on the world stage,” he said.
“What stands out to me is her courage. Tennis is very different from MMA, but when you watch Alex compete, you can see that fighter’s mentality. She does not back down, and she continues to fight regardless of the situation.”
The upcoming battle for Loman will be far from easy, especially since Abramishvili is the No. 1‑ranked contender in the same division where Loman became the inaugural BRAVE CF bantamweight world champion.
Bigger Things in Store for the Winner?
With the throne currently vacant, a statement victory over the hard‑hitting Georgian could put Loman on the fast track to fighting for the gold.
He is well aware that his first opponent in three years is riding an eight‑fight winning streak since 2023, with six of those victories coming via stoppage.
While the odds appear stacked against him, Loman is ready to go on an Eala‑like run of his own.
“Alex has faced some of the best players in the world, and she has shown that you cannot be afraid of the challenge. That is the mentality I will bring into this fight. I know what is ahead of me, but I believe I can find a way to win,” he declared.
BRAVE CF 108 will take place inside the historic Pula Arena in Croatia.
