Pacific X-treme Combat 33 will feature the best fighters in the Asia-Pacific region, and will showcase not one, but two title fights on a card unlike any seen in the Philippines, featuring the best fighters from the Philippines looking to make it in the world’s fastest growing sport of MMA. PXC’s Lightweight Champ, Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento will defend his belt against undefeated Jon Tuck from Guam who was recently featured on UFC’s Ultimate Fighter.
Tuck is an all-around MMA fighter, and one of two fighters to defeat Edward Folayang of The Lakay Team. As an Abu Dhabi Champion in jiu-jitsu, most consider Jon Tuck one of the best grapplers in Asia. That being said, Tuck has knockout power, showcasing powerful strikes when defeating Phil-Am stand-out Tristan Arenal last November in PXC29. In 2009, he met URCC Lightweight Champ, Edward Folayang, and knocked him out in 8 seconds. According to PXC Promoter & CEO, EJ Calvo, “Jon Tuck is one of our best up and coming PXC fighters, and Harris is a huge test for him. In almost 300 bouts for PXC, this is one of the most anticipated fights we’ve ever had!”
Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento is one of the most experienced and best all-around fighters from the state of Hawaii, with over 50 professional fights including battles against MMA Stars such as Nick Diaz and Gilbert Melendez in Strikeforce. Sarmiento won the PXC Lightweight Title with a dominant performance against Guam’s Ronnie Borja last year. Since winning the Lightweight Belt, Sarmiento has competed in 2 fights at Featherweight Class in an attempt to hold both belts in the PXC. He defeated California’s Raja Shippen by TKO in PXC29 in Manila. This will be Sarmiento’s 1st Lightweight Title Defense. Sarmiento is Filipino-American, born in Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
In the other historic Title Fight, newly crowned Flyweight Champ, Ali “The Young Gun” Cale will defend his belt against local Filipino legend, Erwin Tagle. Cale is the 1st Filipino to win a PXC Title, defeating Guam’s Jessie Taitano for PXC29, a decorated veteran MMA fighter who was once ranked in the top 10 in Japan. Cale is lightning quick, often compared to boxers like Roy Jones Jr. and Muhammad Ali, with his flashy style and variety of power punches. In his young MMA career, Cale has improved his ground game and take-down defense to win 3 straight in the PXC cage. Cale hails from Davao, and trains under BeeFIT Python’s Pit.
Cale’s opponent, Erwin Tagle, is one of the first MMA fighters to make a name for themselves in the Philippines, and is well-respected as the owner and coach of Submission Sports Gym in Quezon City, producing some of the best young MMA talent in the country. Tagle was originally recruited as an expert panelist and commentator for PXC, as well as television personality on AKTV. After witnessing Cale’s dramatic title win, Tagle expressed interest in returning to competition. “We felt Erwin has paid his dues over the years to develop the sport of MMA in the Philippines, and deserves a title shot right away. We are confident he will put on a show and fight hard,” said PXC President, Joey Calvo. According to Tagle, “Since PXC arrived in the Philippines, mixed martial arts elevated to a higher level, and I feel I still have what it takes to represent the nation as a champion. Nothing personal against Ali Cale, but winning the PXC belt is something I am very focused on. I appreciate the opportunity PXC has given me.”
PXC is presented by San Mig Strong Ice and Sports 5. With special thanks to Rogin-e, Best Western F1 Hotel, e-Games, Fitness First, FHM Philippines, FHM.com.ph, Premiere Condoms, Healthway Agility Phil, Beer Below Zero, Real Sports Radio, Loqal.ph, SM Tickets and Ticketworld.
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