SET to make its debut on Philippine soil later this month, Bahrain-based Brave Combat Federation said the timing is but right for the country to experience its brand of mixed martial arts action.
To happen on March 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena, “Brave 22: Storm of Warriors” will mark the first time that the promotion will play the Philippines after building its name in different parts of the world since its establishment in 2016.
The event will be headlined by the title defense of Filipino Brave bantamweight champion Stephen “The Sniper” Loman (12-2) against challenger Elias Boudegzdame (15-5) from Algeria, by way of Montpellier, France.
Also seeing action at Storm of Warriors are Filipinos Jeremy Pacatiw, Marc Alcoba, Rolando Dy, Harold Banario, Rex De Lara, Jayson Margallo, John Cris Corton, Jason Vergara and Jomar Pa-Ac.
For Brave President Mohammed Shahid, their first show in the Philippines was long time coming and that they are looking forward to establishing their footing in the country, especially since Filipino fighters are staples in the promotion.
“[Coming here was] something we were looking forward to for a very long time. This event is for the Filipino fighters and fans. It’s about time that Filipino fighters are recognized back in their home,” said Mr. Shahid.
“When I first came here a few weeks back, a lot of people asked me how come we have not known of Stephen Loman, the champion of Brave CF. They did not know that he was representing your country around the world. He has proven what a world champion is. We hope to change that with Brave 22 and show who he is and what true martial arts is,” he added.
The Brave executive went on to say that a lot of factors led to the setting up of their first event in the country, including the immense growth of MMA in the Asian region, with the Philippines included, and the good relations of Bahrain and the Philippines.
“There are reasons why this finally happened. First point is across Asia the growth of mixed martial arts, including the Philippines, has been tremendous. And one of Brave’s world champions is from the Philippines. Every promotion in the world is recognizing MMA in the Philippines. It’s a no-brainer,” said Mr. Shahid.
Adding, “Also we have had good relations with the Philippine government. Even Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso Ver said we should come to the Philippines because he saw that Filipino fighters were fighting in Brave and doing well.”
Mr. Shahid said fans should expect a good night of fight action at Storm of Warriors.
He sees Mr. Loman having his hands full versus Mr. Boudegzdame but is all praises for the Filipino champion.
“Stephen Loman is a great champion. He took everything we offered. When we told him that he would defend his title here, he immediately said okay and that he is ready,” Mr. Shahid said.
Live coverage of Brave 22: Storm of Warriors will handled by ESPN5 on various platforms.
Founded three years ago, Brave, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has made significant headways in bringing top-class MMA action in different parts of the globe.
Since September of 2016, the company has visited 14 countries: Bahrain, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, India, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Jordan, Indonesia, Northern Ireland, Morocco, Colombia, Pakistan, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia.
Brave said that by taking MMA to a wider range, it was able to give a truly global platform to athletes for their in-cage abilities and fighting qualities. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
