ALEIA Aielle Aguilar became a three-time jiu-jitsu world champion after besting opponents bigger than her in the 2024 World festival Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates over the weekend.
The seven-year-old daughter of Alvin Aguilar, founding father of Filipino mixed martial arts and president of Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC), had to move in weight class at 22 kgs after her original weight division of 19 kgs was scrapped by organizers.
But the weight adjustment hardly had an impact on the young Aguilar as she forced her semifinal foe Sana Alzaabi of UAE to an armbar submission in just 20 seconds to advance in the gold medal round of the girls’ gi kids 2 prey 22kgs A class.
In the final, the Filipina had a tough time sizing up her opponent in Sarah Abuhijleh also of UAE, but relied on her maneuvers to score a resounding 3-0 victory for the gold.
Hundreds of world class jiu-jitsu champions from all ages saw action in the meet.
Aside from Aguilar, also winning golds and becoming new world champions were Marcus Sebastian Dela Cruz (boys gi kids 3 white belt 24 kgs), Ma. Althea Louise Brion (girls gi infant white belt 40 kgs), Yani Alexii Lopez (girls gi junior grey feather 40 kgs), and Princess Akeisha Reuma (girls gi junior white belt 48 kgs).
“We reduced her (Aguilar) weight to 19 kgs at the last minute, only to find out that her weight class was scrapped. Still she won in a heavier weight class,” said the elder Aguilar, also president of DEFTAC Philippines.
“We are very proud of her and also to the other gold medalists,” he added. “This is the toughest among jiu-jitsu international competitions. Our young athletes really trained for this, and we are satisfied that they delivered.”
Aguilar thanked Tingog Partylist for supporting the Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP) grassroots programs, the MVP Sports Foundation, and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino for his guidance.
“Aielle and everyone with us are junior members of the WAP Junior Grappling Team,” Aguilar said.
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