With roughly 86,000 Filipinos currently in areas under active crisis alert levels across the Middle East, two of the country’s prominent mixed martial artists are calling attention to the plight of overseas workers caught in the escalating conflict.
Drex “The T-Rex” Zamboanga, who signed with BRAVE Combat Federation in February 2025, directed his words toward compatriots navigating the uncertainty. “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,” he said.
The broader Filipino diaspora in the region is substantial — estimates place the number of Filipinos living and working across the Middle East at between 2.1 and 2.4 million as of early 2026, concentrated primarily in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
For Stephen “The Sniper” Loman, Bahrain holds particular meaning. The bantamweight competed under BRAVE CF six times between 2016 and 2019, appearing in the country on three occasions. It was in Bahrain where he claimed the inaugural BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Championship, defeating Gurdarshan “Saint Lion” Mangat by unanimous decision 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.
The conflict has also disrupted fight calendars, with bouts involving both fighters under BRAVE CF potentially pushed to the second quarter of 2026.
Zamboanga, a former URCC Bantamweight Champion, acknowledged the far-reaching toll of the situation. “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,” he said.
Loman added that he remains focused on returning to competition when conditions allow. “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.
