Six-year-old jiu-jitsu darling Aleia Aielle Aguilar continued to draw attention when she retained her world title in the recent 2023 Abu Dhabi World Festival Jiu-Jitsu Championships at the Mubadala Arena in United Arab Emirates.
Aguilar, daughter of the founding father of Filipino mixed martial arts Alvin, needed just 12 seconds to beat local bet Maitha Earani by armbar maneuver in their gold medal clash in the Girls Kids 2 white belt 17 kg category.
“Great to see my daughter fighting and representing the country. Her hard work and discipline have finally paid off in training all these years,” Aguilar said. “Last year, I didn’t see it live, so I am happy and we’re all very proud of you for making another historic moment for the Philippines.”
She defeated Brazilian Gabriella Kulzer, 4-1, in the semifinal round.
Aguilar added that her daughter didn’t blink against her opponents every time they tried to fight back.
“She is always ready every time they move, every time they try to do something on the mat. She is fearless,” recalled the older Aguilar after heading the PH delegation to the World Combat Sports in Abu Dhabi.
The Philippines won three gold medals courtesy of Kaila Napolis of jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai pair of Richien Yosorez and Kylie Mallari and taekwondo poomsae Darius Venerable plus five silvers and five bronze medals.
