(PRESS RELEASE) 02.05.13 --- The region's PREMIER MMA Company will produce a stacked fight card with PXC-35 in Manila. Fighters from the Philippines, Guam, California, Hawaii, Japan, Korea and Sweden will collide for a night of adrenaline and non-stop MMA action.
From L-R: UFC/MMA veteran Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun, UFC fighter Max Holloway, UFC fighter Dustin "The Diamond" Kimura, Russell Doane and Louis Smolka
Battle-Tested Fil-American Harris Sarmiento faces a Filipino for the second straight match, this time with a lot more at stake as he puts his Lightweight title on the line against Isaiah Ordiz in PXC-35 on February 16th at The Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Sarmiento, born in Ilocos Norte and raised in the US, has helped propagate Mixed Martial Arts in the country by battling numerous fighters from across the globe, but his last fight ended in defeat as he bowed to Bagiuo's Mark Striegl in a non-title Featherweight bout last November in PXC-34.
Now a title belt is at stake and the 29-year-old Sarmiento looks to bounce back as he marks his 60th professional MMA match by facing Ordiz who has won his two first pro-fights, the latter a split decision over Tristan Arenal in PXC-34. Sarmiento has won 35 and lost 24 matches, and is one of the most experienced fighters seen in Asia-Pacific with no sign of stopping anytime soon.
“PXC-35 brings a great mix of international talent back to Manila. PXC's live broadcasts have helped make MMA one of the fastest growing sports in the Philippines after only 8 shows in 2 years. It has been a great opportunity for fighters to gain exposure, as well as an exciting show for local fans,” said PXC Chief Executive Officer, EJ Calvo.
“When a fighter wins, he gets a shot at a bigger fight, and we love testing young fighters," added Calvo.
Flyweight Louis Smolka from Hawaii, who has won his first two professional fights, takes on California's Alvin Cacdac, who has not fought since winning over Rex Wa-O in PXC-31 last June in Manila.
Hawaiian MMA legend, Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun returns to action after more than two years off when he battles relative newcomer Zebaztian Kadestam of Sweden in a welterweight fight. “The Machine Gun” last fought in 2010, losing to A Sol Kwon in Heat-16 in Japan and his win-loss-draw record dropped to 24-24-2 but he sets for battle once more, facing a dangerous Swede who has won all three of his professional matches, including a strong win last November in PXC-34.
Japan’s Chuji Kato gives fans a look at shooto style when he clashes with Korean Top Team’s Hong Seung Chan (2-0) in a Lightweight bout. Chan is also a recent winner in PXC-34.
Ruel Catalan makes his PXC debut, and will try to make a name for himself when he squares off with Ernesto Montilla Jr. (0-1) in a Flyweight showdown of local bets.
Steve Grandeza of Davao, who won the world kickboxing welterweight title in 2010, hopes to get back on track after a disappointing MMA debut as he fights newcomer Miguel Masquera. Grandeza, a deadly striker, lost via technical submission to Kyle Aguon of the US in his first MMA match in PXC-34.
Other fights pit Bantamweight Dario Banario against Joseph Mercado, and Glenn Ranillo versus Mark Billena in a Lightweight bout.
“PXC is the top MMA outfit in the Asia-Pacific and we are focused on growing fans and continuing to build on our strong reputation after 35 pro events,” Calvo said.
Get your tickets now at www.smtickets.com or www.ticketworld.com.ph
PXC-35 is presented by San Mig Strong Ice and Sports 5. With special thanks to E-Games, Fitness First, FHM Philippines, FHM.com.ph, Premiere Condoms, Healthway Agility Phil, Beer Below Zero, Eden NightClub, Real Sports Radio, and Loqal.ph.
For more information on PXC, check out www.pxc.com.ph or www.facebook.com/pxcmma