KEY POINTS

  • Rolando Dy is aiming for a joyful Christmas by defeating Slobodan Maksimovic at BRAVE CF 56
  • Maksimovic is riding a two-fight win streak, while Dy lost his shot at the lightweight title after bowing to Abdisalam Kubanychbek
  • Dy does not care about the method of his victory as long as he brings home the win

Former UFC fighter Rolando Dy wants nothing more than to bring home a victory for Christmas as he faces Serbia’s Slobodan Maksimovic on December 18 at BRAVE CF 56.

“I want to win again, that’s for sure. There’s no greater gift I can receive this coming Christmas other than putting myself back in the win column. That’s all I want for Christmas this year,” Dy remarked.

The 30-year-old’s noteworthy two-fight win streak came to an abrupt halt when he faced Abdisalam Kubanychbek at BRAVE CF 47 in March of this year.

His corner did not allow him to answer the bell for the third round as he was getting thoroughly smashed by the Kyrgyz powerhouse on the ground, despite Dy possessing otherworldly takedown defense.

Had Dy been able to pull off a victory over Kubanychbek, many believe that he was next in line for a shot at the BRAVE CF lightweight title held by Amin Ayoub at the time.

The 2020 BRAVE CF Fighter of the Year is aiming for his 15th career win as a ten-year pro in a sport where anything can happen, given the right circumstances.

“I had a great and unforgettable 2020. This year is quite different. I started my 2021 on the wrong foot. Closing out the year with a win is certainly the goal in my next fight. It’s a win-or-bust kind of situation, but I am going all out for this one,” Dy stated.

Since BRAVE CF 56 will be held in Belgrade, Serbia, Maksimovic will have all the comforts of home on his side as he makes his promotional debut.

At first glance, Maksimovic looks like a run-of-the-mill striker that aims to keep the fight standing, but he is a sneakily good wrestler who does not often shoot for takedowns like most wrestlers.

Instead, he uses his striking to get the upper hand on his opponent before shooting for a takedown late in the round.

For as much as Filipino mixed martial artists are regarded for their striking, Dy has surprisingly fantastic takedown defense that he utilizes to perfection, forcing his opponents to be wary of trying to take matters on the mat.

“Decision, knockout, or submission, I am open to all possible outcomes. But one thing is for sure, I will be ready for whatever my opponent brings on fight night. I will make my Christmas celebration more special this year,” Dy declared.

BRAVE CF 56, set to happen at the state-of-the-art Belexpocentar, will air live and for free on BRAVE CF TV.

Rolando Dy
Rolando Dy called out potential lightweight title contender Sam Patterson after the latter's submission victory at BRAVE CF 55. BRAVE CF