Photo: BRAVE

By Miguel Palaban

Nicholas Hwende did not waste time making his intentions clear.

Just two months after Stephen Loman finalized his return to BRAVE Combat Federation, the former bantamweight king from Zimbabwe publicly called him out and positioned himself as the first man ready to test the Filipino star in his comeback run.

Loman signed a multi-fight deal with the Bahrain-based promotion after four years away back in December.

While fans are still buzzing about his homecoming, Hwende has already stepped forward to demand a high-stakes encounter.

“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,” Hwende said.

The statement was respectful, yet unmistakably direct. Hwende wants the fight against “The Sniper.”

The 30-year-old Ifugao native is no stranger to big moments. As one of the organization’s pioneers since its inaugural event in 2016, he built a flawless 6-0 record and once ruled the bantamweight division.

His run established him as one of the most accomplished athletes in the promotion’s history.

Loman previously captured the inaugural BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Title at BRAVE CF 9: The Kingdom of Champions and held the belt for 1,179 days, defending it four times.

That reign made him a defining figure in the weight class. Today, representing Lions Nation MMA, he aims to reclaim the crown when he reports for duty inside the BRAVE CF cage later this year.