MANILA, Philippines — ALEIA AIELLE 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, United Arab Emirates.

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

Despite the challenging situation, she took her first opponent Sana Alzaabi of United Arab Emirates in the semifinal with an armbar submission within just 20 seconds to advance in the girls' gi kids 2 grey 22 kgs A class final.

Aguilar had a tough time sizing up her foe — Sarah Abuhijleh also of United Arab Emirates — in the final but relied on her tactics to score a 3-0 victory in the gold medal round of the competition participated by hundred world class jiu-jitsu champions of all ages.

"We reduced her weight to 19 kgs 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," her father Alvin Aguilar also the president of DEFTAC Philippines said.

"We are very proud of her and also to 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 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.

Other gold winners and 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). TMT