Three More Bouts Added To PXC 41 Including Ting vs. Striegl 2

PXC adds three very interesting match ups for their November 9 event in the Philippines as Mark “Mugen” Striegl, one of Philippines’ best MMA fighters will try to bounce back from a devastating 3^rd round submission defeat in the hands of the current PXC World Featherweight Champion, Jangyong Kim at PXC 39 as he takes on fast rising prospect from New Zealand Ev Ting in PXC 41 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines.

Team Lakay’s Troy Bantiag and top Hawaiian prospect Johnny Pecyna will try to put themselves back into the winning column as the two intimidating bantamweights lock horns at PXC 41.

PXC CEO/Promoter, EJ Calvo, confirmed the bouts on Saturday morning.

Striegl and Ting already faced each other last year at Legend FC 7. The superb grappling ability of Striegl was the biggest factor in their first meeting as the Filipino puts the Kiwi fighter into deep sleep in the very first round by way of rear-naked-choke.

Since he lost to Mark Striegl, Ting went 2-1 including his K.O victory over Dustin Terill and a Unanimous Decision win against Rolando Dy. Ting’s two-fight win streak was snapped when he lost to the South Korean fighter, Yeong Gwang Choi at Legend FC 11.

Meanwhile, Striegl is coming off a shocking defeat against Korean Top Team’s Jangyong Kim last September. Everyone, except for the South Koreans, at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig was stunned when they saw their hometown hero tapped for the first time in his career. Kim silenced and proved the people wrong that he can beat the heavy favorite Striegl and became the newest PXC World Featherweight champion.

The fight with Kim exposed a lot of holes on Striegl’s game. Some said he lost because he got no striking, his cardio sucked, and he seemed small compared to Kim. But if you are a Striegl fan, you must know and believe that he is a warrior and he will be back stronger, because that is what he do – training hard to get better in every aspect of his game.

Another explosive fight is set to go down between two of the fastest and powerful flyweights in the region as Jinel Lausa of Team Insider battles heavy-handed Ernesto Montilla Jr. of Fightworks MMA.

The bout was confirmed by Montilla Jr.’s coach, Christopher Brandy Quicho.

Jinel Lausa showed how talented of a fighter he is when he dismantled Adam Cacay in the 3^rd round of their PXC 39 fight. Lausa comes from a Boxing and Muaythai background. He has an incredible handspeed and a very strong takedown defense.

In the other hand, Montilla Jr. has been a force in the PXC flyweight division, defeating some of the best guys in his division. His TKO victory against Jerome Wanawan and submission win over Ruel Catalan simply showed that he is a threat to anyone in the division.

Montilla Jr.’s last outing did not went well for him as he lost to an incredibly talented fighter from Baguio, Team Lakay’s, Roldan Sangcha-an.

But despite of the roller coaster ride of his MMA career, Montilla Jr.’s enthusiasm in training and his attitude of a champion will surely bring him into the title contention in the future. For now, he just needs to win one fight at a time.

PXC 41 features a World Flyweight Championship fight between the alway-exciting champion Ale Cali and the no. 1 contender Louis Smolka.

Also, “The Slugger” Crisanto Pitpitunge, after he lost the bantamweight title against Michinori Tanaka at PXC 37, is going to make his return and looks to start his climb up the title contention when he takes on a very dangerous Hawaiian fighter in Russel Doane.

PXC 41 Confirmed Bouts:

Ale Cali Vs. Louis Smolka (Flyweight World Title Fight)

Crisanto Pitpitunge – Russel Doane (Bantamweights)

Mark Striegl Vs. Ev Ting (Featherweights)

Keita Nakamura – Shane Nelson (Lightweights)

Troy Bantiag – Johnny Pecyna (Bantamweights)

Jinel Lausa Vs. Ernesto Montilla Jr. (Flyweights)

Female Bout TBD

Visit www.pxc.com.ph for the latest updates

Team Spotlight: Fightworks MMA

Fight Works MMA with their head coaches Brandy Quiocho (bottom left) and Pete Brooks (bottom right)

Founder: Brandy Quiocho

Year Founded: May 27, 2012

Brandy is former MMA practitioner himself, a father of two lovely girls and a very considerate coach to his pupils.

Quiocho started training BJJ with fast-rising MMA lightweight prospect, Isaiah “Ice” Ordiz and Manny Jimenez. He and his buddies at first, tried some BJJ tourneys, until one day, he found himself in front of a computer searching muay thai techniques through YouTube. Brandy really researched everything from the basics of Thai boxing, from how to properly hold the mitts to other basic things that a beginner should learn in the awesome sport of muay thai. Of course, with the help of Ordiz, Brandy integrated their grappling skills with their newly acquired Thai boxing expertise.

After honing their striking and ground skills, they entered in several amateur MMA competitions until they met the URCC Cruiserweight champion, Pete “The Professor” Brooks, who helped them with a lot of things that are related to training MMA.

“I came up with the name “Fightworks” with the agreement from Pete Brooks. Fighters from our team were kids from the streets like “tambays” construction workers (Out of school youth). I simply ask them if they wanna be fighters, some stayed and became fighters but some did not and left because of the hard training probably.”

Being a head coach and a gym owner at the same time is very difficult, especially when you don’t have enough resources to sustain other expenses that might occur in the future and no one would like to support your fighters whenever they have an up coming fight. But despite of the hardships, Brandy, still, persisted and continued to train young fighters in San Pedro, Laguna, because he knows that changing someone’s perspective in life through martial arts is priceless.

“The main reason I continued as a head coach and orchestrator is for my young fighters na nakikita kong nagkaka silbi ang buhay, it became a passion and didn’t realize the program is being effective for the team.”

Fight Works MMA’s Top 5 Fighters:

1. Isaiah “Ice” Ordiz

Currently signed by Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC)

Record: 2-1

2. Ernesto Montilla Jr.

Currently signed by Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC)

Record: 2-1

3. Rolando Dy 

Currently signed by Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC)

Record: 3-2

4. Venson Delopre

Record (amateur): 3-2

5. Carlo Laurel

Record: 10-2

Other up and coming fighters:

Francis Gajita and Jhayson Alcantara.

(Fightworks MMA is located at Pacita Complex, San Pedro, Laguna.)

Fighworks MMA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fightworksmma

PXC 37: Jerome Wanawan Is Confident He Will Win Against Ernesto Montill Jr.

In the ultra-competitive PXC flyweight division, if you want to standout among other talented fighters, you have to have not only the ability to attract fans, but a skill set of a world-class MMA fighter.

Jerome Wanawan is one of the most well-liked fighters in the PXC. He is super talented and yet very grounded guy.

Wanawan is known for his tremendous athleticism, deadly throws and power. His pinpoint striking game makes him one of the most effective flyweights in the region today.

The physically talented fighter from Baguio trains out of the famed Team Lakay under the guidance of Mark “The Machine” Sangiao.

Wanawan is a former boxer who then made his transition to Wushu Sanshou and now in MMA. He started his MMA career on February 2011 against Charlemagne Pakeo-an at URCC Baguio 2 ‘Tribal Wars’. Wanawan used his outstanding wrestling skills to control Pakeo-an on the ground and connected huge strikes from the top. Wanawan tops Pakeo-an via UD.

A year later, Wanawan made his second pro MMA bout versus Redentor Saclag at URCC URCC 3 “Invasion”. Wanawan used his superb striking to beat Saclag via 1st round TKO win.

On September 1, 2012, Wanawan made his PXC debut against the much experienced and submission specialist fighter in Victor Torre. Wanawan impressed the crowd early by tagging Torre with his strikes and taking his opponent down with vicious judo throws. Wanawan defeated Torre via TKO (punches) in the opening round.

Just when Wanawan starts to gain some momentum on his career, in November of 2012, he lost in the hands of a knockout specialist, Eugene Toquero at PXC 34. That first loss on Wanawan’s career sent him back to the drawing board and surely taught him a lot of lessons.

Jerome Wanawan’s next fight is scheduled next week, May 18th, at the Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City, Philippines, at PXC 37 against one of the heavy-handed flyweight fighters, Ernesto Montilla Jr.

Wanawan knows that this fight is the most important fight of his career to date as he aims to get back to the winning column; that is why he is preparing very well for his fight against Montilla Jr. on May 18th.

“Training has been good so far. I need to win this fight and apply those techniques I’ve learned in my preparations at PXC 37.”

He is extra motivated to train for this fight because the picture of him losing against Toquero still lingers on his mind.

“I was out of focus on that fight. Our gameplan was to strike and take him down but I got a lot of things coming to my mind that night. But I respect Toquero, he was better than me that night.”, Wanawan said.

Wanawan is facing a serious threat against Montilla Jr., who is a physically gifted athlete who has a nuclear bomb on his fists. Montilla is coming off a submission (Rear-Naked Choke) win over a highly-regarded striking specialist, Ruel Catalan.

“Montilla is a well-rounded guy. He’s got great ground skills and boxing, that’s why I’m working really hard for this fight. I know he is not a pushover but I am confident I will in the fight.”

When asked on what is his advantage over Montilla, “My advantage would be my speed. Montilla is really a tough fighter, but I am willing to stand and bang with him.”, Wanawan answered.

Since he tasted his first-ever loss agains Toquero, Wanawan made some adjustments in his training. This includes managing his time wisely and prolonging his everyday training up to 3 hours.

“What has changed in this training camp is time. In my previous fights, I am sometimes late for the scheduled time of training and we only train for 2 hours, 2 times everyday. But now, I am always on time for practice and we extend another hour to train, so we train for 3 hours, 2 times a day.”

There’s no doubt that Wanawan’s striking abilities is second to none in his division. But one thing that he is focusing on right now is to become a well-rounded fighter by honing his ground skills. He is also aware of his opponent’s impressive ground game, that is why he spends more time on the ground to perfect his grappling.

“My ground game is improving. Coach Mark is always reminding me to focus more on my ground defense. Like what I’ve said, Montilla is a great fighter, so I really need to prepare for him.”

Wanawan is lucky to have an incredible team behind him who is always there to support. Team Lakay, for him, made him not just a better fighter, but joining the most dominant fight team in the Philippines made him a much better person.

“One thing I’ve learned since joining this great team is how to manage your time. Time is very important in our lives, we need to use it properly. Also, being with these fantastic fighters here at Team Lakay gives me extra motivation to train harder everyday.”

The Bachelors of Science in Education graduate is fighting not only for himself, but for his family’s future as well.

“Fighting helped me reach one of my biggest dreams; to graduate from college. It helped me provide those material things necessary for my studies. I fight to secure my family’s future. I am really thankful to those people who helped me, especially coach Mark Sangiao, who has been with us since day one, our mentor, guidance counselor and our second dad, he is the best.”

On May 18th, Wanawan looks to amaze the fans once again as he takes on a fellow talented fighter in Montilla Jr.

Headlining the PXC 37 card is a World Bantamweight Championship bout between the champ Crisanto Pitpitunge and the challenger Michinori Tanaka.

Also, the first fight of the four-man featherweight tourney is set between Hawaii’s Nate Thorell and South Korea’s Yan Jong Kim.

Visit PXC.COM.PH see the complete fight card for PXC 37!

Jerome Wanawan versus Ernesto Montilla Jr. Added To PXC 37 Card!

On 18 May 2013, two of the most exciting and athletic flyweight fighters in Asia today will face each other at PXC 37 as Team Lakay’s Jerome Wanawan faces a fellow young and skilled fighter from Fightworks MMA, Ernesto Montilla, Jr.

Wanawan is an ultra-talented fighter from the most dominant MMA team in the Philippines, Team Lakay. Cordillera’s pride, Wanawan, looks to bounce back from his recent stumble at PXC 34 in November of 2012, where he tasted his first career loss against Eugene Toquero. Wanawan is eager to get back on the winning column to show his fans that this year is going to be his and aims for a shot at the title before the year ends. He is always in shape and pumped to fight. That being said, we can expect a very aggressive Jerome Wanawan on May 18^th.

Ernesto Montilla, Jr. after his submission victory over Ruel Catalan at PXC 35

Meanwhiile, this fight will be Ernesto Montilla, Jr.’s second fight as a flyweight. He is coming off an impressive sumbission win over world-class striker, Ruel Catalan at PXC 35 last February 16. Montilla is a gifted fighter who has tremendous handspeed, K.O power and slick submission skills. He trains alongside PXC lightweight fighter, Isaiah “Ice” Ordiz at Fireworks MMA in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines.

This fight is expected to be one of the most aniticipated bouts of the night as both men aims to take themselves closer to the flyweight title picture. Both warriors don’t know the word ‘retreat’ or ‘quit’; everytime they step inside the cage, expect a fast-paced MMA fight between two deadly 125 pounders in the PXC.

PXC 37 will be held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines. Headlining the card is a World Bantamweight Championship bout between the champ Crisanto Pitpitunge and the challenger Michinori Tanaka.

Some late changes has bee made to the fight card as Filipino MMA icon Mark “Mugen” Striegl’s fight with Shooto champ Yusuke Yachi has been moved in August due to the injury he sustained during training.

PXC CEO and promoter, EJ Calvo, said, “Unfortunately, both Mark Striegl and Yachi were unable to compete on May 18 due to minor injuries, and we should see them back in August in our next big Manila show. That card already features our Flyweight Title Fight (Cale versus Smolka) and a list of other great fighters! More awesome MMA action on the way from PXC!”

Also on the PXC 37 card, the former URCC featherweight champion, Ricardo Sapno, makes his PXC debut against a durable Japanese fighter Takumi Nakayama.

Here’s PXC 37’s partial fight card:

Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge vs. Michinori Tanaka [World Bantamweight Championship]

Jang Yong Kim vs. Nate Thorell [ First fight of the Four-Man Featherweight Tournament]

Syafiq “The Slasher” Abdul Bin Samad vs. Wesley Machado

Ricardo Sapno vs. Takumi Nakayama

Trevin Jones vs. Troy “The Hunter” Bantiag

Jerome Wanawan vs. Ernesto Montilla, Jr.

Reno Remigio vs. Hong Seung Chan

Rolando Gabriel Dy vs. Arex Montalban

PXC 35 Results: Sarmiento retains his title, Smolka to face Cali for the title

Event: PXC 35

Date: February 16, 2013

Venue: Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City, Philippines

Harris Sarmiento retains his title by stopping Isaiah Ordiz in the first round via Kimura. Ordiz never had the chance to impose his game plan as the champ, took the fight to the ground. Sarmiento looked very impressive tonight. During the post-fight interview, Sarmiento calls out Striegl and asked for a rematch.

Louis Smolka earned his ticket to fight Ale “The Young Gun” Cali for the title by defeating Alvin Cacdac via 3rd round RNC. Smolka got smothered by Cacdac in the first round and sustained a nasty cut. But in the second and third round, it was like a ‘Rocky’ comeback for Smolka. He is indeed a tough dude. Smolka is now guaranteed to face Ale Cali in May at PXC 37 for the PXC flyweight championship.

Team Lakay’s Troy “The Hunter” Bantiag showcased some serious power when he stopped Hawaii’s Tony Reyes in the very first round.

“I don’t care about his height advantage, in fact, I love it because I can land my right hand whenever he attacks.” Bantiag said at the weigh ins yesterday.

Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento vs. Isaiah “Ice” Ordiz [PXC Lightweight Championship] –

Alvin Cacdac vs. Louis Smolka [Flyweight Contender Fight] –

Troy “The Hunter” Bantiag vs. Tony Reyes –  Bantiag def. Reyes via 1st rd. TKO (punches)

Chuji Kato vs. Egon Racz – Kato def. Racz via 1st rd. Submission (RNC)

Dario Banario vs. Joseph Mercado – Banario def. Mercado via UD

Ron Jhun vs. Zebaztian Kadestam – Kadestam def. Jhun via 1st rd. TKO (leg kicks)

Ernesto Montilla Jr. vs. Ruel Catalan – Montilla def. Catalan via 2nd rd. Submission (RNC)

Miguel Mosquera vs. Steve Grandeza – Mosquera def. Grandeza via 2nd rd. submission (RNC)

Glen Ranillo vs. Mark Billena – Ranillo def. Billena via 1st rd. Submission (Armbar)