Aguilar bests heavier foes to become 3-time jiu-jitsu world champ

MANILA, Philippines — Aleia Aille Aguilar overcame heavier foes on Friday to become a three-time jiu-jitsu world champion in the 2024 World Festival Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. 

The seven-year-old daughter of Alvin Aguilar — the founding father of Filipino mixed martial arts and president of the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) — adjusted very well from the 19kg to the 22kg division after her original weight class was removed by the organizer.

Despite the challenging situation, she defeated her first opponent, Sana Alzaabi of the UAE, in the semifinal via an armbar submission in just 20 seconds to advance in the girls’ gi kids 2 grey 22kg A class final.

Aguilar had a tough time sizing up her foe — Sarah Abuhijleh also of the UAE — in the final. But she relied on her tactical expertise to score a 3-0 victory in the gold medal round of the competition that was participated by hundreds of jiu-jitsu champions across different ages.

“We reduced her weight to 19kg at the last minute, but only to find out that her weight was scrapped after no participants had signed up because everybody wanted to avoid her. But she still won in a heavier weight class,” said her father Alvin, who is also the president of DEFTAC Philippines.

“We are very proud of her and also to other gold medalists. This is the toughest among jiu-jitsu international competitions. Our young athletes really trained for this, and we are satisfied that they delivered,” he added.

Aguilar thanked Tingog Party-list for supporting the Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP)’s grassroots programs; the MVP Sports Foundation; and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino for his guidance. 

“Aielle and everyone with us are junior members of the WAP Junior Grappling Team,” Aguilar aded.

Other gold winners and new world champions were Marcus Sebastian Dela Cruz (boys gi kids 3 white belt 24kg), Ma. Althea Louise Brion (girls gi infant white belt 40kg), Yani Alexii Lopez (girls gi junior grey feather 40kg), and Princess Akeisha Reuma (girls gi junior white belt 48kg).