Six-year-old Aleia Aielle Aguilar became the country’s first, youngest world champion last year in the combat sports of jiu-jitsu, where her family is known for.
On Thursday, the pretty daughter of Maybelline Masuda and Alvin Aguilar—the founding father of Filipino mixed martial arts—retained her crown after clinching her second straight world title in the Abu Dhabi World Festival Jiu-Jitsu Championships at the Mubadala Arena in United Arab Emirates.
Aguilar banked on her experience by pouncing on United Arab Emirates’ bet Maitha Earani, as she submitted her with an armbar maneuver with 12 seconds, to bag the gold medal in the Girls Kids 2 white belt 17-kg category.
She defeated Brazilian Gabriella Kulzer, 4-1, in the semifinal round.
“Great to see my daughter fighting and representing the flag this time. Her hard work, discipline have finally paid off in training all these years,” Aguilar said. “Last year, I didn’t see it live. I am happy and we’re all very proud of you for making another historic moment for the Philippines.”
Aguilar added that her daughter didn’t blink against her opponents every time they tried to fight back.
“She was always ready every time they made their move, every time they tried something on the mat. She is fearless,” Aguilar said.
Alvin, his wife Masuda, baby Axelia and son Lucho witnessed another great performance from Aleia Aielle, who wrapped the Philippine flag all over her shoulders after the magnificent triumph.
Aguilar, the president of Wrestling Association of the Philippines, and founding head of Universal Reality Combat Championship and DEFTAC Philippines, arrived from Abu Dhabi after guiding the Philippine delegation to a successful campaign in the World Combat Sports as chef de mission.
The Philippines won three gold medals, courtesy of Kaila Napolis of jiu-jitsu, the Muay Thai pair of Richien Yosorez and Kylie Mallari and taekwondo poomsae bet Darius Venerable, to go with five silvers and five bronze medals.