Brave 22: Stephen Loman retains world title as Team Lakay bets rise

Stephen Loman retains his bantamweight title anew. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Brandon Magpantay

MANILA, Philippines–It took Stephen Loman four rounds to finally make Elias Boudegzdame’s knees shake.

But once he did, he went on relentlessly to keep his foe on the ground and the retain bantamweight title during Brave CF’s “Storm of Warriors” showpiece at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night.

Loman’s big moment came in late in the fourth round. The striker out of Benguet tagged his Algerian assignment with a solid left before finishing him on the canvas via ground and pound.

“I’d like to dedicate this fight to all of you,” said Team Lakay’s Loman, who was defending his strap for the first time on home soil.

Boudegzdame, for his part, was tough as nails. He tried to match Loman early on, giving the Filipino striker a dose of his own medicine.

A submission specialist, Boudegzdame went after Loman’s back repeatedly. But the fighter—who goes by the moniker “Smile”—had his smirk replaced with a bruise on the cheek as the fight unraveled.

The victory marks the third time Loman has defended his title.

In the co-main event, John Brewin carved out a gritty split decision victory over Cian Cowley in their lightweight tussle.

“To tell you the truth, if not for Cian … they put me here and they gave me a shot. I hope I could keep on putting on this kind of performances [moving forward],” the Brewin said.

Also mounting a stellar performance was Rolando Dy, who made quick work of Mehmosh Raza,

“I would die before losing in front of my family, friends, and countrymen,” Dy said during a candid speech shortly after the fight.

Jeremy Pacatiw, Loman’s teammate, rolled to his third-straight win in the promotion.

The young Team Lakay ward shot for an armbar to submit compatriot Mark Alcoba in the third round.

The famed Baguio City stable went on a 4-1 run in the event.

Other results

Jomar Pa-ac (Philippines) def. Satya Behuria (India; Unanimous decision

Hussain Ayyad (Bahrain) def. Jason Vergara (Philippines); Submission, R1 (anaconda choke)

Jayson Margallo (Philippines) def. Rex de Lara (Philippines); Unanimous decision

Harold Banario (Philippines) def. Ariel Oliveros (Philippines); Submission, R1 (knee bar)

Main Card

Rolando Dy (Philippines) def. Mehmosh Raza (Pakistan); Technical knockout – R1

Jeremy Pacatiw (Philippines) def. Marc Alcoba (Philippines); Submission, R3 (arm bar)