Seef District, Bahrain – Rolando Dy, who had a productive 2020 with twin victories and winning the 2020 BRAVE CF Fighter of the Year award, has signed a new exclusive three-year contract with a guarantee of five bouts under the banner of BRAVE Combat Federation.
Regarded as one of the most celebrated athletes in Philippine mixed martial arts, Dy is glad to get to spend the prime years of his professional career with the fastest-growing MMA promotion in the world.
“This organization took care of me when I was at the lowest point of my career as a professional fighter,” he said. “Without hesitations, they gave me the opportunity to write a new chapter in my story as a combat sports competitor. Here I am today, one of the best fighters on their roster and in the world.”
“It’s an honor to represent this organization on the global stage of this sport. I will surely do my best to give the fans and my supporters a performance to remember every time I step inside the cage,” Dy added.
The Filipino superstar, who made his BRAVE CF debut in 2017, is coming off a sensational 2020 that saw him clinch the prestigious BRAVE CF Fighter of the Year award with two remarkable victories as a lightweight newcomer.
Dy started to turn heads last year when he decided to move up one weight class higher and prevailed over Polish knockout artist Maciek Gierszewski at BRAVE CF 42 in September by way of razor-thin split decision.
Despite having to step up a weight class to take on a bigger and much stronger man, he was more than up to the task as he produced a sensational performance to claw his way to a hard-earned split decision win.
“The Incredible” upped the ante nearly two months later as he accepted a short-notice the promotion’s offer to him to step in for an injured Sam Patterson in a lightweight title eliminator bout against John Brewin at BRAVE CF 44 and pulled off an upset win by defeating the 2019 Breakout Fighter of the Year.
Dy, who had to flew to Bahrain on just 14 days’ notice to duke it out with Brewin, stepped on the gas pedal from the first minute and never let up over three rounds to score a clear-cut unanimous decision.
In addition to these in-ring sucess, Dy, son of boxing legend Rolando Navarrete, tied the knot with his partner Stephanie Rebagoda in a civil wedding last November 28 to complete his wonderful year.
“2020 has been great for my career and personal life. I know this year has been difficult for a lot of people, but let this be a reminder to never give up in the face of adversity. Challenges are made to make us grow and strong. Just hang in there and keep on fighting,” Dy shared.
An encounter with division kingpin Amin Ayoub for the BRAVE CF lightweight world championship could be on the horizon for Dy later this year.
“I want that title shot in 2021. But if BRAVE CF thinks I have to prove it again, then so be it. I really don’t mind. Line them up and I will keep knocking them down,” he stated.
Dy had been setting his sights on Amin Ayoub’s BRAVE CF lightweight world championship after adding the 2020 Fighter of the Year award to his trophy room.
“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 declared.
Dy currently holds a professional record of 14-9 with one no-contest.
By: Armando M. Bolislis