Loman captured the inaugural BRAVE CF bantamweight title back in November 2017 with a TKO of Gurdarshan Mangat at BRAVE CF 9, and the Filipino striker went on to hold the title for 1,179 days.
Former champion calls out former champion for 2026 bantamweight clash
Now, after competing for other promotions across the world, Loman has returned home to BRAVE CF. And with “The Sniper” back in the BRAVE fold after signing a multi-fight deal to return to the promotion, fellow former champ Hwende has immediately thrown his hat in the ring to be the first man to face him.
“He’s a veteran in the business, and I would love to welcome him with open arms and also share the cage with him one day,” said Hwende.
“To fight someone like him will raise my status. So yeah, I want to be the one to welcome him.”
Hwende and Loman eyeing 2026 title fight with new champion Borislav Nikolic
Both Loman and Hwende will head into 2026 with a similar goal. The 135-pound title they both previously held is currently in the possession of Serbia’s Borislav Nikolic, who captured the title by defeating Hwende via fourth-round submission at BRAVE CF 96 back in June.
Since then, Nikolic has registered a successful title defence with a fourth-round TKO of Hamza Kooheji at BRAVE CF 100 in November.
Now the Serbian heads into the new year with a target on his back, and Loman and Hwende have designs on dethroning him.
For Hwende, a fight with Loman represents the perfect springboard to launch him into a title rematch with Nikolic. And while he made clear his respect for his fellow former champion, the No. 1 bantamweight contender said that he sees Loman as a stepping stone to bigger things in 2026
“With me, he’s just another boy that I just need to beat up. I don’t see him like anyone different. It’s nothing big about it. He’s just another guy,” he said.
“As a former bantamweight world champion, I welcome you, Stephen. I can’t wait to share the cage with you. And also, it will be an honor to share the cage with you.”
