Rolando Dy. Photo from BRAVE Combat Federation
MANILA, Philippines—Most professionals are usually given a time off when they get married, but mixed martial arts fighter Rolando Dy is not one of them.
Dy recently married longtime partner Stephanie Rebagoda in November, a couple of weeks after he defeated John Brewin to become the no. 1 contender in BRAVE Combat Federation’s lightweight division, and he was already back in the gym a few days after their marriage vows.
Having been a professional fighter since 2011, Dy said that he couldn’t be any happier with how his wife Stephanie supports him in his craft.
“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,” said Dy.
“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.”
Dy is already set for a title shot against lightweight champion Amin Ayoub, and he only needs that call from BRAVE’s management saying when he’ll step into the cage.
“We’re pushing for the title fight. I know I deserve it. I hope they will give it to me,” said Dy (14-9), who’s been nominated for the promotion’s Fighter of the Year award this 2020.
Dy’s success, however, also drew in some detractors with British fighter Sam Patterson taking a jab at the Filipino, calling him a “journeyman.”
Patterson was originally slated to face Brewin at BRAVE 44 but withdrew from the lightweight title eliminator due to an undisclosed injury, and Dy happily stepped into the opportunity.
Dy said that he’s aware of Patterson’s desire to be in his position in the promotion, but he sees no point in granting the Watford native a shot at his spot in the division.
“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,” said Dy.
“I won’t give him his request because I am the one who’s next for the title. I want that title shot.”
Dy also warned Patterson that he’s still nowhere near his level and that would be evident if they ultimately fight.
“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.”