March 29, 2024

Filipino mixed martial artist Rolando Dy has earned the 2020 Brave Combat Federation Fighter of the Year honor following back-to-back victories on short notice.
The 29-year-old Dy, who fought with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has defeated Maciej Gierszewski via split decision on Sept. 24 then also emerged triumphant against John Brewin via unanimous decision on Nov. 5.
Twice that Dy, son of former world boxing champion Roland Navarrete, stepped inside the cage on short notice, but he has proven he is one of the rising fighters in the Bahrain-based MMA promotion.
What impressed the panel of judges in conferring him the Fighter of the Year honors was the fact that he moved up to heavier division from being a natural featherweight to lightweight.
This means that Dy has fought bigger and much stronger opponents this year compared to the other fighters he fought in the featherweight division the past years.
“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,” Dy said in an interview with Manila journalists.
Dy has redeemed himself from back-to-back losses in the latter part of 2019 when he was knocked out both by Do Gyum Lee in October and Anzor Abdulkhozjaev in December last year.
The 2020 Fighter of the Year is raring to get back in action and plans to take down Frenchman Amin Ayoub and grab the lightweight belt from the reigning champion next year.
“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,” Dy added.
Dy is the only Filipino fighter outside the Cordillera who has a contract with Brave CF. The rest of the Filipino fighters under the same promotion are from the Cordillera, particularly Team Lakay fighters.
Brave CF bantamweight world champion Stephen Loman was the back-to-back Fighter of the Year awardee for 2018 and 2019. – Harley F. Palangchao