MANILA, Philippines — Filipino fighter Rolando Dy has given Philippine mixed martial arts a boost in winning the Fighter of the year Honors in the Brave Combat Federation.
“It’s truly an honor to have this award. This trophy is a testament of 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,” said the 29-year-old Dy, son of legendary boxer Rolando Navarrete.
“Hopefully, this is the first of many,” he added.
The key to Dy’s meteoric rise was his decision to move up to lightweight from featherweight and his disposal of Polish knockout artist Maciek Gierszewski at Brave CF 42 last September, then of 2019 Combat CF Breakout Fighter of the Year John Brewin in Brave CF 44 two months later.
Those wins hiked Dy’s record to 14-9 (win-loss).