Instead taking some time off for a honeymoon, newly wed Pinoy MMA star Rolando Dy emerged himself in training after a busy and successful endeavors in the past few months that includes two wins in BRAVE Combat Federation events.
Dy, son of boxing legend Rolando Navarrete, recently tied the knot with his partner Stephanie Rebagoda in a civil wedding last November 28.
“We’ve been living together for a year already. I just wanted to make it formal, as well as legal, in the eyes of the Lord and our families.”, said Dy.
This momentous occasion was coming at the heels of twin victories in a BRAVE ring, a split decision over Maciek Gierszewski during Brave CF 42 held on September 24, 2020 at Riffa, Bahrain and a unanimous decision over John Brewin during Brave CF 44 held on November 5, 2020 also at Riffa, Bahrain.
If one thinks his marriage can slow down the 29-year old Dy, they were mistaken. Anticipating a call from upper management of BRAVE CF, the 29-year old Dy is quickly back at the gym he owns in his adoptive hometown of Dasmariñas, Cavite to continue the grind in effort to become a world champion in BRAVE Combat Federation.
“After our wedding, I just took a few days off. Now I am back in training. Like I always say, I am ready. If there’s an offer to fight and it makes sense, I will take it. I won’t think twice to accept it, especially if it’s a title shot,” he stated.
Training has been part of Dy’s daily routine since his close friend ardently introduced him to mixed martial arts in the late 2000s. Luckily for Dy, a complementary partner is what he needed with the sport’s demands both in and out of the cage and no other woman except Stephanie could be better for this role in their lives’ new chapter.
“I am happy because my wife understands my life as a fighter. She understands every aspect of my job description. She also attends to my needs as an athlete. It’s a blessing that I found someone who will stick with me through thick and thin,” he shared.
Dy is closing this year with a great ending after finishing 2019 with two consecutive losses. Aside from the twin wins, the Bahrain-based organization has recently announced that Dy is nominated for the 2020 Fighter of the Year award.
He also thinks he is ripe for a lightweight title shot. “We’re pushing for the title fight. I know I deserve it. I hope they will give it to me,” said Dy, who holds a professional record of 14-9 with one no-contest.
“The Incredible” has called out a date with newly-minted lightweight kingpin Amin Ayoub after outclassing Brewin.
With everything going his way this year, several competitors in his division are trying to rain on his parade, including British stalwart Sam Patterson who took a swipe at the Filipino by labelling him a “journeyman” in one social media post.
“He’s just an attention-seeker. I don’t want to fight him not because I am afraid. I don’t want to fight him because he backed out against Brewin. He chickened out. He didn’t have a valid reason to back out. I don’t believe he’s really injured,” he declared.
Patterson was originally penciled to face Brewin at BRAVE CF 44 but withdrew from the lightweight title eliminator due to an undisclosed injury. As a result, Dy took his place and capitalized on the rare opportunity to thrust himself to the upper echelon of the promotion’s 155-pound weight class.
Dy knows that Patterson wants to be in the position where he is at right now. Furthermore, he sees no point in granting the Team Crossface standout a duel for the right to square off with the champion after pulling out of the match against Brewin.
“I won’t give him his request because I am the one who’s next for the title. I want that title shot.”, he emphatically said.
Dy just hopes that the Walford, England native can back it up if ever they will cross paths in the future.
“Sam Patterson is a good and smart fighter. But he is still a child in this game. Maybe someday, our roads will intertwine. It’s going to be a hard lesson for him because he will realize how inexperienced he is as a fighter,” he warned.
By Armando M. Bolislis
