Romwel Anzures

Filipino mixed martial arts standouts Stephen “The Sniper” Loman and Drex “The T-Rex” Zamboanga have extended their sympathies to Filipino communities in the Kingdom of Bahrain and across the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774255186197IMG_0478.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Handout photo.MANILA — Filipino mixed martial arts standouts Stephen “The Sniper” Loman and Drex “The T-Rex” Zamboanga have extended their sympathies to Filipino communities in the Kingdom of Bahrain and across the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions.</div>The situation hits close to home for Loman, who held the Bantamweight World Championship in BRAVE Combat Federation for 1,179 days.During his six appearances under the promotion, three were held in Bahrain, highlighted by his title-winning victory over Gurdarshan “Saint Lion” 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 shared the same concern, particularly after aligning his professional mixed martial arts career with BRAVE CF in February 2025.The former URCC bantamweight champion expressed concern 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.As of early 2026, an estimated 2.1 to 2.4 million Filipinos live and work across the Middle East, with large populations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, alongside communities in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.Around 86,000 are currently in high-alert areas, facing the possibility of repatriation.The ongoing unrest has also disrupted sporting schedules, affecting the anticipated bouts of both athletes under BRAVE CF, now tentatively eyed for the second quarter of 2026.Despite the uncertainty, Loman remains hopeful for a resolution.“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,” he said.Zamboanga echoed that optimism, even as the crisis continues to unfold.“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,” Zamboanga said.

Stephen “The Sniper” Loman and Drex “The T-Rex” Zamboanga have extended their sympathies to Filipino communities in the Kingdom of Bahrain and across the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions.

Stephen “The Sniper” Loman and Drex “The T-Rex” Zamboanga have extended their sympathies to Filipino communities in the Kingdom of Bahrain and across the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions.

Loman, Zamboanga extend support to overseas Filipinos facing uncertainty in Middle East

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Loman, Zamboanga extend support to overseas Filipinos facing uncertainty in Middle East

ABS-CBN News

Published March 23, 2026 04:46 PM PHT

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Mixed Martial Arts

MMA

ABSSports

Middle East Tensions

Stephen “The Sniper” Loman

Drex “The T-Rex” Zamboanga

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