In a powerful display of resilience, technical mastery, and grappling expertise, Dean Michael Roxas has reasserted his dominance on the regional stage, capturing the gold medal in the highly competitive men’s 85kg Jiu-jitsu Ne-waza event at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
The victory marks a triumphant return to the top of the podium for Dean Michael Roxas, who previously won this same event in 2019. It delivers another vital gold for the Philippines Jiu-jitsu team at the Games in Thailand, contributing to the nation’s growing medal tally. The win is a powerful testament to the athlete’s dedication in overcoming a significant recent injury and returning to peak form just in time for the biennial regional showcase.
Roxas’s spectacular performance capped a stellar day for the national jiu-jitsu contingent at the Royal Thai Air Force Academy, where the Philippines secured two gold medals. It solidified its position as a powerhouse in martial arts at the 2025 SEA Games. The nation celebrated this incredible comeback story and the sheer will displayed by Dean Michael Roxas on the mat.
A Golden Comeback: Roxas’s Path to Victory
The competition at the Ronnaphakat Building, the venue for the jiu-jitsu events, was fierce. The men’s 85kg category featured some of the most formidable grapplers in Southeast Asia, all vying for supremacy. Dean Michael Roxas navigated a challenging bracket with a blend of power, agility, and technical brilliance that is the hallmark of a world-class athlete.
From his opening match against Malaysia’s Hairi Hakeem Bin Abdul Haik, Roxas demonstrated a clear and calculated game plan: control the pace, dominate position, and capitalise on any opponent errors. He consistently outscored his early opponents, showcasing superior ground control and seamless transitions.
His semifinal bout against Vietnam’s Canh Ho Huu tested endurance, patience, and strategy, which Roxas passed with flying colours, managing the clock and accumulating enough points to secure a place in the final.
The final match against Singapore’s Aacus Hou Yu Ee was the main event of the day, and Dean Michael Roxas delivered a masterclass. From the opening seconds, he controlled the pace, employing superior grips, relentless pressure, and a deep understanding of leverage. The Singaporean athlete struggled to counter Roxas’s smooth transitions and dominant positional control.
The decisive moment came swiftly. Roxas executed a powerful takedown and seamlessly transitioned to a submission attempt, forcing his opponent to tap out. The quick victory not only secured the Philippines’ coveted gold medal but also sent a clear message to the region: Dean Michael Roxas remains a force to be reckoned with in Ne-waza.
His victory was particularly poignant, given the injury he had suffered in the lead-up to the Games. His performance demonstrated not only his physical recovery but also his extraordinary mental fortitude and strategic brilliance.
Results Breakdown: Men’s Ne-waza 85kg
| Stage | Opponent | Country | Result | Method |
| Quarterfinals | Hairi Hakeem Bin Abdul Haik | Malaysia | Win | Points |
| Semifinals | Canh Ho Huu | Vietnam | Win | Points |
| Final | Aacus Hou Yu Ee | Singapore | Win | Submission |
Significance of the Philippines Jiu-jitsu and National Pride
The performance of Dean Michael Roxas and his teammates at the 2025 SEA Games was a major highlight for the Philippine delegation. Jiu-jitsu has consistently been a reliable source of medals for the country in recent SEA Games editions, and this year was no exception. The team’s results help maintain the nation’s competitive position in the overall SEA Games standings and inspire future generations of Filipino martial artists.
Roxas’s gold, combined with the gold won earlier by Kimberly Anne Custodio in the women’s 48kg event, solidified Thursday, December 11, as the most successful day yet for the team. The entire jiu-jitsu contingent finished the day with a remarkable haul of two golds, one silver, and four bronzes.
These results are a powerful indicator of the strength and depth of the national jiu-jitsu program. Focused training, elite coaching, and dedicated support from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee are clearly paying dividends on the regional stage. The success of the team not only boosts the national medal tally but also provides a significant morale boost for the entire Philippine delegation competing across Bangkok and Chonburi.
A Veteran Presence and Leadership Role
Dean Michael Roxas, a seasoned competitor, serves as a crucial veteran presence within the national team. His ability to perform under pressure and overcome adversity makes him a natural leader and a role model for younger athletes like Custodio, who also tasted SEA Games glory for the first time this year.
His win in 2019 was a breakthrough moment, and reclaiming the title in 2025 demonstrates sustained excellence over several years. This consistency is a rare quality in high-stakes sports and speaks volumes about his discipline and commitment to his craft.
Roxas’s gold adds valuable points to the Philippine medal table, pushing the nation into a strong competitive position against regional powerhouses such as Thailand and Vietnam.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum
The 2025 SEA Games run until December 20, and the momentum from the jiu-jitsu team’s success is expected to fuel other Philippine athletes in the days to come. The stories of comeback and resilience from athletes like Dean Michael Roxas provide a huge morale boost for the entire delegation.
For Roxas, the focus now shifts from celebration to future challenges. The experience gained here will be crucial as he sets his sights on larger competitions, including the Asian Games and potentially even the world championships again.
His performance also reinforces the Philippines’ reputation as a martial arts powerhouse, inspiring young athletes nationwide to pursue excellence in Jiu-jitsu and other combat sports. Dean Michael Roxas continues to embody the values of hard work, resilience, and strategic brilliance that define elite athletes.
Conclusion
Juan Sports congratulates Dean Michael Roxas on this phenomenal achievement. His gold medal performance in the men’s 85kg Jiu-jitsu Ne-waza is a defining moment of the 33rd SEA Games, showcasing both the heart and technical skill that define Philippine sports.
The victory not only reestablishes Dean Michael Roxas as one of the region’s top Jiu-jitsu practitioners but also provides inspiration for the entire Team Philippines contingent in Bangkok. His story of perseverance, comeback, and excellence serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes, proving that setbacks can be overcome with dedication, strategy, and relentless effort.
As the SEA Games continue, the ripple effect of Roxas’s triumph is expected to inspire and elevate the performance of his teammates and other Philippine athletes. The nation celebrates this victory and looks forward to more success from the entire delegation, led by the unwavering example of Dean Michael Roxas.
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