THE Philippines made another impact on the global combat stage as another 17-year-old Cebuana Elisse Xoe Malilay clinched the gold medal at the Women’s Professional AJP Tour East Coast Regional Championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Competing in the 49-kilogram purple belt pro division, the younger sister of world champion Eliecha Zoe proved her rising stature by defeating UAE’s Fatma Al Rahma in the semifinals before overpowering Mariam Al Ali of Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club in the final.
The victory marks Malilay’s first major international gold of the year.
The Malilay sisters were recently honored with the Global Filipino Award for their sporting achievements.
In 2023, representing Atrixion Combat Sports of Dubai, Ellise Xoe enjoyed a stellar international run, including a notable gold medal at the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championships and representing Cebu City in the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Games.
Malilay is currently ranked 28th globally in her division.
