Rolando “The Incredible” Dy has kept a relatively low profile over the past several months. Now, though, the Filipino mixed martial arts superstar feels ready to return to action and has a certain lightweight contender in his sights.
The 30-year-old son of Filipino boxing legend Rolando Navarrete issued a challenge to English standout Sam “The Future” Patterson. The latter scored a rousing victory on the BRAVE CF 55 card in Rostov-on-Don, Russia last Saturday, November 6.
“Boss Mohammed Shahid (BRAVE CF President), if you plan on giving Sam the title shot next, you may want to consider giving him to me first.
“I don’t panic in the exchanges. I don’t panic while wrestling like [Kamil] Magomedov did,” Dy said.
Patterson overcame a tough start in his scheduled three-round bout against hometown favorite Kamil Magomedov by persevering through his opponent’s ground game. He then picked up a come-from-behind win by way of submission in the second frame.
Dy was one of the many who tuned into the promotion’s second live event in Russia over the weekend. And he shared his thoughts on the aforementioned lightweight encounter.
“There were a few things I saw in the fight. One of which is Magomedov was afraid of getting punched in the face like most BJJ guys. He is a good kicker, but he panics for doubles in striking exchanges. That’s the reason he got choked. Magomedov is not a wrestler by default because he is a BJJ guy,” he explained.
“Second is that I find Sam very technical but very slow for a lightweight. If that’s their best, I know I can take any of them,” Dy added.
Patterson is no stranger to Dy. The standout from Walford, England called the latter out for a fight last year. Then Patterson took a swipe at him by labeling the Filipino a “journeyman” in one social media post.
Ironically, Dy once filled in for an injured Patterson to face New Zealand’s John Brewin at BRAVE CF 44 in November 2020. There, “The Incredible” walked away with the unanimous decision win.
However, Dy veered off the collision course with Patterson after going through a grueling war versus Kyrgyz mauler Abdisalam “Omok” Kubanychbek in a losing effort at BRAVE CF 47: Asian Domination this past March.
Meanwhile, Patterson made a strong case to challenge reigning BRAVE CF Lightweight World Champion and arch-nemesis Ahmed “The Butcher” Amir by extending his win streak under the company’s banner to four courtesy of his most recent cage assignment.
Dy does believe that Kubanychbek should be next in line for a World Title shot. Still, the outspoken hard-hitter from Cavite, Philippines won’t pass up on a chance to duke it out with Patterson and overtake other contenders in the division.
“I fought the rightful contender, Abdisalam, who is not in the title picture now. I know I can take on Sam. Let me steal the title shot from him.”
