Brave Combat fighters Loman, Drex Zamboanga lament Middle East unrest

MANILA, Philippines -- With the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, the fights of Filipino mixed martial artists Stephen Loman and Drex Zamboanga may be delayed. 

The regional tensions in the area have disrupted sporting schedules in the Middle East, and the Bahrain-based Brave Combat Federation is also expected to be affected. 

Loman and Zamboanga may be fighting in the second quarter of 2026 because of the developments. 

Loman and Zamboanga, two fighters who signed with the fighting promotion last year, also sent sympathies and words of hope to those affected by the unrest. 

Loman, in a statement, said that it is “heartbreaking to see what is happening in the Middle East right now.” 

During his six appearances under the promotion’s banner, three took place in Bahrain, highlighted by his Bantamweight world championship-winning performance against Gurdarshan Mangat in February 2017.

“It is heartbreaking to see what is happening in the Middle East right now. Bahrain has always been close to my heart because of my journey with Brave CF. My thoughts are with every Filipino family facing uncertainty and fear during this time,” Loman said.

Zamboanga, for his part, expressed worry for overseas Filipinos navigating the instability.

“I offer my prayers to all Filipinos in Bahrain and throughout the Middle East. May God surround you with protection, strength, and comfort in these difficult times,” Zamboanga said.

Millions of Filipinos reside and work across the Middle East.

Thousands are currently in high-alert zones and are facing the possibility of repatriation due to the unrest.

“I pray that peace will prevail soon. I look forward to stepping back inside the cage and bringing pride and joy to our fellow Filipinos in the Middle East, especially in times like this,” Loman stressed.

Zamboanga echoed this.

“Many are directly or indirectly affected by this war, and it is not easy for anyone. Still, I believe there is light ahead. We hold on to hope and continue to stay strong together,” Zambonga added.