Filipino mixed martial fighter Rolando Gabriel “Gab” Dy raised the Philippine flag high following his victory against Yerzhan Yestanov at the UAE Warriors event at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Dy captured the UAE Warriors Featherweight Title with a unanimous decision following five rounds of the match, according to a report by Amith Passela on The National.
The Pinoy fighter walked away with a 49-47, 49-47, 48-46 win.
After he was declared winner, Dy became emotional as he revealed that he was able to fulfill his promise to his ailing grandfather that he will return home with the featherweight title.
“Before I left home I told my ‘Lolo’ that I’m going to return with the title belt and to wait for me,” said Dy, 27. “I wish he would. I want to be by his side before he breathes his last.”
Dy also thanked the Filipino community for cheering him on during the fight.
“I thank the Filipino community here for being behind me tonight,” Dy said. “I was here to prove that we from the Philippines can do it on the big stage and anywhere in the world.”
Photo credits: Khushnum Bhandari for The National
