The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for Jonathan Di Bella when he finally popped the question to longtime girlfriend Emely Elizabeth Rodriguez after months of carrying around an engagement ring and waiting for the right moment.
The ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion had been planning his proposal for half a year, but it took his impressive victory over legendary Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in March 2025 to create the perfect opportunity for romance.
“After the Sam-A fight, I knew I was going to have a little break and go away to Miami. I wanted to do something there. I got the ring like six months before. So, I’m like, ‘I’m ready, I have to do it now.’ And I decided to do something special,” the 29-year-old Italian-Canadian revealed about his elaborate planning process.
The Miami proposal marked a significant milestone for the couple, whose relationship stretches back to their elementary school days in Montreal.
“I got engaged recently. It was a long time coming. I’ve been with her for many years. I’ve known her since elementary school,” Di Bella said.
Rodriguez’s reaction to the engagement brought both joy and additional motivation for Di Bella’s upcoming championship unification bout against two-sport king Prajanchai PK Saenchai at ONE Fight Night 36 on Saturday, 4 October, in Bangkok, Thailand.
His new fiance delivered a message that perfectly encapsulates the intersection of his personal and professional lives.
“She said, ‘Go beat Prajanchai, and then we can discuss about the wedding,'” Di Bella shared, highlighting how his romantic future now depends on championship success.
The rematch carries extra significance beyond the ring, as Di Bella seeks redemption after losing to the 30-year-old Thai via unanimous decision for the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title in June 2024.
Catch ONE Fight Night 36 live in India on JioHotstar and Star Sports Select 2 at 6:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, 4 October.
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