Jiu-Jitsu World Championships: Cebu’s Ellise Xoe Malilay wins bronze
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu’s jiu-jitsu standout Ellise Xoe Malilay captured a bronze medal for Team Philippines in the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, over the weekend.
Malilay competed in the Under-21 women’s 45-kilogram open belt gi division against opponents from the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Romania, and Russia, whose athletes competed under the Individual Neutral Athletes banner.
The Cebuana opened her campaign with an impressive submission victory over Romania’s Bacs Rita, securing the win via an Ezekiel choke.
READ MORE: Cebu’s Benavides bound for Abu Dhabi world jiu-jitsu championships
She followed it up with a points victory over Russia’s Salimova Malika, scoring a decisive two-point 50-50 sweep to move within a win of the gold medal match.
Jiu-jitsu’s international elite
Malilay’s bid for the championship ended in the semifinals after she bowed to Individual Neutral Athlete Karataeva Polina, earning her the bronze medal. Polina later settled for silver after losing to UAE’s Mariam Alali in the gold medal match.
Despite falling short of the finals, Malilay said she was proud of her performance, especially after overcoming a difficult build-up that included recovery from an undisclosed surgery.
“I’m genuinely happy with my performance and grateful to have won bronze while representing the Philippine Youth National Team at the JJIF World Championship 2026. At the same time, I know I still had more to give,” Malilay told CDN Digital.
A young athlete’s challenges
She said that her preparations were far from ideal as she spent the past few months recovering from surgery while balancing school, graduation, and frequent travel between the UAE and the Philippines.
“I had to withdraw from some competitions, and although my coach gave me a strength and conditioning program, my recovery and busy schedule made it difficult for me to follow it consistently.”
Still, Malilay found ways to stay ready by training in different gyms and attending open mats whenever possible.
“I’m very thankful to every coach and training partner who supported me along the way and allowed me to continue doing what I love. Returning to competition after six months already meant so much to me. Making weight was also a difficult challenge, so being able to step back onto the mats, compete again, and earn a medal felt like a personal victory,” said the Cebuana.
More competitions ongoing
She added that the result has only fueled her desire to improve.
“This bronze medal has motivated me to work harder, improve, and come back stronger. Jiu-jitsu is a big part of who I am, and I’m proud and thankful to represent the Philippines on the world stage while doing something I truly love.”
READ ALSO: Malilay debut in JJIF Asian Championships adult division set
Earlier this year, Malilay’s older sister, Eliecha Zoe Malilay, also reached the podium after winning a bronze medal in her women’s adult division debut at the 2026 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Kazakhstan.
Eliecha is also set to represent Team Philippines in the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships this week.
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