AWARDEE. Rolando Dy holds his 2020 Brave Fighter of the Year trophy after he was named Fighter of the Year by Brave Combat Federation. The Bahrain-based promotion announced the awardees on Wednesday (Dec. 23, 2020). (Photo courtesy of Brave CF)
MANILA – Filipino mixed martial arts star Rolando Dy has been named Fighter of the Year by Brave Combat Federation (CF) as announced on Wednesday.
The Bahrain-based promotion awarded the 29-year-old fighter with the achievement after scoring two consecutive matches on short notice just as it resumed action amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Dy first stunned Maciek Gierszewski via a split decision at Brave CF 42 last September.
“I just showed in the fight last September that I am not a one-dimensional fighter. I was able to strike, grapple, take, and defend his best shots, and dictate the tempo from start to finish,” he recalled.
“They say I am only a striker. That fight only proved that I am a complete fighter.”
He then defeated 2019 Breakout Fighter of the Year John Brewin at Brave CF 44 through a unanimous decision.
Now fighting as a lightweight, Dy, the son of boxing legend Rolando Navarette, is in a position to challenge Amin Ayoub for his championship belt, and a victory would make Dy the second active Filipino Brave champ after bantamweight king Stephen Loman.
“Anytime, anywhere, I am ready to suit up and fight. Just give me the time and date. I promise you that I’ll be there,” he said.
But for now, as he awaits that time, he will cherish his latest achievement.
“It’s truly an honor to have this award. This trophy is a testament to my dedication, hard work, and sacrifice to be one of the best fighters in the world. It is a very proud moment for myself, my family, and my beloved country, Hopefully, this is the first of many,” Dy said. (PNA)
