BRAVE 22: STEPHEN LOMAN DEFENDS TITLE; COWLEY LOSES SPLIT DECISION

Brave Combat Federation’s debut in the Philippines was one to remember for the country’s fighters, as six Filipino warriors came out victorious from Brave 22: Storm of Warriors. Bantamweight champion Stephen Loman put on a masterful performance by knocking out challenger Elias Boudegzdame in the main event and became the only Brave champion to defend his crown three times in a row. The victory was dedicated to his uncle, who passed away during the final stages of his training camp.

“I would like to dedicate this fight to my family and teammates. But was also to my uncle, who passed away this month. This was for him, definitely”, said the champ.

Loman established himself early on as the superior striker, investing in body shots and confusing Boudegzdame with his southpaw stance. The challenger was able to get the champ’s back briefly during the first round but wasn’t able to keep up with “The Sniper” in the stand-up department.

After using push kicks and straight lefts to the body throughout the first three frames, Loman stepped up and started connecting with uppercuts, and ending those up with overhands, one of which sent Boudegzdame to the canvas. The champ swarmed in and the referee had no choice but to waive the bout.

In the co-main event, a very even match saw John Brewin take a razor-thin decision over Cian Cowley. The Irishman was able to connect well with hard leg kicks in the first round, but the Kiwi fighter adjusted for the second and third frames, investing in the clinch and tiring Cowley with pressure from his wrestling. Two judges saw the fight going to Brewin, who made a tribute to his country after the horrible attacks earlier today.

“I walked down with this flag. I know the strength of the people of New Zealand. This is a dark day in our country and I never imagined the size of the hatred in such a beautiful place. We will pull through this dark time”, said an emotional Brewin.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Jeremy Pacatiw, who dominated and submitted Marc Alcoba, as well as a ferocious Knockout victory for Rolando Dy, who handed Mehmosh Raza his first promotional defeat.

Brave 22 results

Main card

• Bantamweight: Stephen Loman def. Elias Boudegzdame by TKO – R4
• Lightweight: John Brewin def. Cian Cowley by split decision
• Bantamweight: Jeremy Pacatiw def. Marc Alcoba by submission (armbar) – R3
• Featherweight: Rolando Dy def. Mehmosh Raza by TKO – R1

Preliminary card

• Bantamweight: Harold Banario def. Ariel Oliveros by submission (kneebar) – R1
• Bantamweight: Jayson Margallo def. Rex de Lara by unanimous decision
• Flyweight: Abdul Hussein def. John Cris Corton by submission (ninja choke) – R1
• Flyweight: Hussain Ayyad def. Jason Vergara by submission (triangle choke) – R1
• Flyweight: Jomar Pa-ac def. Sataya Behuria by unanimous decision