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

Ale Cali versus Louis Smolka Headlines PXC 41

On November 9th, 2013, Philippines’ premiere MMA promotion will stage their final fight card of the year at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City for PXC 41.

The said event will be headlined by PXC world flyweight champ Ale Cali, and the undefeated Hawaiian, Louis Smolka. This is going to be Cali’s second title defense and will be his comeback fight after being sidelined by a shoulder injury.

The news was confirmed by PXC CEO/Promoter, EJ Calvo on Saturday.

Smolka earned his ticket to face the champ last February when he defeated the much experienced fighter, Alvin Cacdac, via RNC in the third round. It was a very impressive come-from-behind win by Smolka as he managed to survive two brutal rounds of assault by Cacdac, who pounded him with vicious haymakers before submitting the veteran fighter in the third round.

“Da Last Samurai” was pumped to face Cali after his PXC 35 win, but the champion sustained a shoulder injury delaying Smolka for his title shot.

As Cali recuperates, Smolka is itching to get back inside the cage to keep away from ring rust. That is why when he was given the offer to fight the former URCC bantamweight champion Jessie Rafols at PXC 39, even though it was a bantamweight contest, he agreed to fight him without any single doubts in his mind.

Smolka overcame an adversity before his fight against Rafols as he was badly sick the day before PXC 39 which gave him a little doubt if he can win over his Filipino foe. But his team mate, the PXC lightweight champion Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento was there and gave Smolka some serious boost and convinced him that he should win the fight no matter what.

Sarmiento’s encouragement of Smolka paid off as Smolka did a quick work of Rafols, making the Filipino tap by way of rear-naked-choke in the very first round.

On November 9th, Smolka looks to stay unbeaten in his career and aims to dethrone the champ and bring the belt home in Hawaii.

In the other hand, no fighter in the PXC has the eagerness and hunger to get back in the cage than the current flyweight world champion, Ale “The Young” Gun Cali.

It has been a year since Cali made his first title defense against the crafty veteran, Erwin Tagle at PXC 34. That is why the Davao native Cali started his camp early to shrug off little cobwebs in his game.

At PXC 39, during Smolka’s post fight interview, Cali went inside the cage and shook hands with his next challenger and congratulates him with a smile for winning that night. Smolka, then told Cali to stay healthy and train hard for their fight.

Cali is known for his slick boxing skills, footwork, and speed. When he faced the seasoned fighter, Jessie Taitano at PXC 29, he didn’t only show his striking prowess; he impressed a lot of fight fans that night when he showcased his much-improved wrestling and BJJ skills by avoiding takedowns and submission attempts by Taitano. Cali dismantled Taitano in the third round and claimed the title and made as the first-ever homegrown PXC flyweight champion.

Cali vs. Smolka is probably one of the most anticipated fights in the region as two of the most talented and toughest fighters collides inside the Philippines’ largest MMA promotion.

It is a very intriguing match-up as the submission specialist Smolka is hungry to verify that he is the baddest man in his division. But no mistake about the champ, he is the flyweight king for a reason. Though he has been sidelined for quite some time; let us not forget how dangerous this fighter is. Cali can end the fight whenever he wants, but the big question for the champion right now is can he take Smolka’s world-class grappling expertise?

PXC 41 will also feature an explosive bantamweight scrap between the former PXC bantamweight champion, Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge and the always dangerous Hawaiian warrior, Russel Doane.

Mark Striegl will also be back in action after a devastating 3^rd round submission loss against Jang Yong Kim at PXC 39. Though his opponent is yet to be determined, Mugen’s back in the gym in training and is very fired up to get back into the mix.

Also, a lightweight fight is set between two UFC vets as Keita “K Taro” Nakamura lock horns with Shane “Suga” Nelson.

Here’s the incomplete fight card for PXC 41:

Ale Cali – Louis Smolka (Flyweight World Title)

Crisanto Pitpitunge – Russel Doane (Bantamweights)

Mark Striegl – TBD

Keita Nakamura – Shane Nelson (Lightweights)

Troy Bantiag – TBD

Jinel Lausa – TBD

Female Bout TBD

PXC Bantamweight Champion Crisanto Pitpitunge Is Confident He Can Beat Tanaka At His Own Game

Crisanto celebrates after his 1st round KO win against Justin Cruz

Being a champion simply shows that you are the best fighter in your division. But you must  understand that the journey to become on top of the food chain is not that easy. You will surely encounter some hurdles that will hinder you from getting closer to achieving your dream, which will sooner or later help you to become a stronger person inside and out.

Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge is one of the toughest bantamweight fighters in Asia today. He has been through a lot of difficulties in life that motivated him to attain his dreams in life.

Training out of one of the badass gyms in Asia, Team Lakay, the current PXC world bantamweight champion Pitpitunge started his pro MMA career in 2011 against a fellow Filipino fighter, Mark “Mugen” Striegl.

Crisanto heading to that fight is hundred percent ready. But the bigger, stronger and well-rounded fighter Striegl overpowered the well-versed striker in Pitpitunge and took the fight to the ground where he imposed his will and submit him via rear naked choke in the opening round.

Since that loss, Pitpitunge worked his tail off to hone his ground game and his take-down defense.

In August of 2011, Pitpitunge made his PXC debut against a super tough veteran in Alex Castro. Pitpitunge won the fight via 1st round TKO (Doctor Stoppage). The Baguio-based fighter was not impressed of his performance against Castro and he told his fans that he will perform way better next time.

Pitpitunge made his second PXC appearance at PXC 26 in November of 2011 against Jerry Cimeni. Pitpitunge’s MMA game has significantly improved on that fight as he showcased some deadly ground and pound attack to Cimeni. Crisanto won via 1st round TKO.

After that win against Cimeni, Pitpitunge went on a tear winning three more wins, including his PXC 31 championship match-up against Justin Cruz, who Pitpitunge dethroned in just two minutes of the very first round via nasty KO punch.

You can watch the KO punch at 0:29 mark:

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y4xXIWhavI

After almost a year since he got the belt, “The Slugger” is officially back to make his first-ever title defense against the undefeated Japanese submission specialist, Michinori Tanaka on May 18th at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines, for PXC 37.

“Tanaka is a well-rounded fighter. He is very good in the ground as well as in the striking department. I’m really not that concerned about his Jiu Jitsu skills. This is MMA, everything can happen in any moment. If his strength is on the ground, I’ll happy to fight his fight and beat him there.”, said the confident Pitpitunge.

As always, Crisanto, through the help of Team Lakay head coach, Mark “The Machine” Sangiao, is preparing very well for this fight as they know that Tanaka is a world-class fighter,

“My training for this fight is fantastic. I’m very thankful for my team mates here at Team Lakay, Baguio, for helping me out. Because here at Team Lakay, we are acting like one, we make sure that everyone is improving as a person and fighter.”

Everyone is expecting a lot from the champion as the memory of that KO win over Cruz is still there. I mean, he put the former champ into a deep sleep in a single punch. That’s how good and powerful Pitpitunge is.

“When I fought Cruz last year for the belt, I am really prepared to trade strikes with him or if he takes me down, it’s fine because we also prepared for it. We really studied Cruz’ game by watching his past fights and one thing we saw that he really loves to do is throwing that superman punch. So we came up with a counter that whenever he throws superman punch, I will counter with my right. That’s why I’m very happy that I won that fight in an impressive fashion.”

There’s no doubt that Pitpitunge’s striking is second to none, but in his previous fights, we really didn’t saw how good his guard is and his defense on the ground. But everyday, the game is evolving. In order for you to become a champion, you need to learn or at least master every aspect of the game. And that’s what Pitpitunge is doing right now; getting better as a striker and a grappler as well.

“My advantage him (Tanaka) would be my striking and power. But I am hundred percent confident that I can also beat him on his own game. I think his endurance has never been tested. We’ll see if he can keep up with my pace until the later rounds. This is championship fight, five rounds of five minutes, so we’ll see.”

After he acquired the PXC bantamweight title, Crisanto committed himself into a six-month training as a Police Officer. He may have been away in the gym for quite some time, but the champion knows his responsibilities as the best in his division.

“In my six-months of training as a Police Officer, I managed to stay in shape by doing roadwork every morning, we also have strength and conditioning training inside our barracks and drills that are similar to MMA training that we do.”

When asked on what is Team Lakay’s secret to success,

“There are no secrets. It’s all patience and hard work. We are working as one even though sometimes the gym is full, we always make sure that everybody is learning and helping each other out. Team Lakay is a brotherhood, we are supporting each other. We are very thankful that we have Coach Mark Sangiao, who is always there to guide us and teach us things that will help us to become a better person.”

Being guided by one of the best MMA coaches in the fight business today is arguably one of the reasons why Pitpitunge is one of the feared fighters in Asia. Mark Sangiao, as a fighter, is known for being a finisher. He knocks and submit people out. As a coach, he really has the knowledge to mold champions because he has been in the sport for a long time. That’s why Pitpitunge is so thankful that they have a coach like Mark Sangiao.

“Coach Mark is always reminding me to stay patient and work hard everyday in the gym. He also told us that it is better to experience some difficulties in training than to the actual fight.”

As the fight night approaches, the intensity of Pitpitunge’s training is getting harder, the pressure is rising as the champion gets nearer to the day where he will face the most important fight of his career.

On May 18, 2013, PXC world bantamweight champion and the pride of the Philippines, Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge faces a sumbission wizard in Michinori Tanaka.

“They can expect a very good and exciting fight between me and Tanaka”, said Pitpitunge.

PXC 37 will also showcase a four-man featherweight tournament as fan favorite, Mark “Mugen” Striegl faces Shooto champ, Yusuke Yachi and Korean Top Team’s “The Beast” Jang Yong Kim battles Hawaiian fighter, Nate “Da Great” Thorell.

The finals match of the said featherweight tourney is scheduled on August in the Philippines and the winner will be crowned as the new PXC world featherweight champion.

Visit PXC.COM.PH for the latest updates!

Mark Striegl Signs Extension With PXC

Here’s the official release:

Undefeated Filipino-American Mark Striegl is committed to compete in the premier MMA promotion in the Asia-Pacific region, Pacific X-treme Combat, with an undisclosed deal making him a PXC exclusive fighter. PXC is well-known as a talent magnet and springboard for young MMA stars from Asia, with 3 fighters released to The UFC and 2 to Bellator in the last year alone…all 5 of these fighters winning their debut fights with those organizations.

Striegl is arguably Asia’s best Featherweight MMA fighter not already in The UFC, a fan favorite in the Philippines with ties to Japan and China, where Striegl has trained and competed in his early career.

Striegl is now 12-0 as a professional MMA fighter, and 2 wins away from his first title, but was forced to delay his Semi-Final Bout to August in what should be a huge fight card for PXC, already featuring a Flyweight Title Fight between local champion, Ale Cali, taking on Hawaiian grappler, Louis Smolka.

“PXC is still the best MMA Company in the Philippines and in the region catapulting fighters to the big league (UFC). I’m here to stay and will continue to grow with the company and showcase my skills to fans in the Philippines and in the Asia Pacific region,” said Mark Striegl.

PXC-37 is expected to once again improve on their momemtum as the fastest growing professional sports league in the Philippines and #1 MMA organization. PXC attracts over 700,000 LIVE TV viewers and thousands of LIVE event spectators each show!

For more information on PXC, check out www.pxc.com.ph or www.facebook.com/pxcmma.

Here’s The Full Fight Card For PXC 37!

PXC officials just released their final bout for their 37^th installment on May 18^th, at the Ynares Sports, Arena, Pasig City, Philippines.

Though the Mark Striegl vs. Yusuke Yachi bout has been scratched due to Striegl sustained a minor injury during training, PXC 37 is still going to show you a lot of very exciting and interesting fights as the main event between Crisanto Pitpitunge and Michinori Tanaka will push through.

The first Singaporean PXC fighter and one of the youngest fighters in the PXC today, Syafiq “The Slasher” Abdul Bin Samad battles a tough Brazilian Fighter/Model, Wesley Machado. Also, Nate Thorell versus Korean Top Team’s Jang Yong Kim will try to knock each other out to advance into the next round of the four-man featherweight tourey.

Also, former URCC featherweight champion Ricardo Sapno will make his PXC debut against a very tough Japanese opponent in Takumi Nakayama.

PXC officials confirmed through its official Facebook page that Mark Striegl versus Yusuke Yachi will be moved on their August card in the Philippines, with Ale Cali defending his belt against Louis Smolka. So fans will still see that much-anticipated match up between Striegl and Yachi, plus, Ale Cali defends his title when he battles super talented Hawaiian, Smolka.

Visit PXC.COM.PH for more details.

Jang Yong Kim: “I will win the tournament so don’t put all your interests and high hopes up on Mark Striegl.”

On May 18, 2013, Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC), will stage their 37th show with current PXC bantamweight champ, Crisanto Pitpitunge defending his title for the first time against the undefeated Michinori Tanaka as the main event fight of night, a four-man featherweight tourney adds up the hype of the event as Filipino MMA superstar Mark “Mugen” Striegl takes on Shooto champion Yusuke Yachi.

The other match-up for the said featherweight tournament is set between Korent Top Team’s “The Beast” Jang Yong Kim and 808 Fight Factory’s Nate Thorell. The winner of the four-man tourney will be crowned as the new PXC world featherweight champion in August in Manila.

Striegl is the favorite fighter to win the tournament. His unblemished record and his skills made the majority of fight fans think that he is going to be crowned as the next champion.

But despite of Striegl being the most adored fighter  to win the tourney, there is one fighter who is confident that he will win and become the new PXC featherweight champion – he calls himself “The Beast”.

Jang Yong “The Beast” Kim trains at one of the best MMA gyms in South Korea, Korean Top Team (KTT), under the tutelage of Dongjin Ha.

Kim is known for his aggressive style and heavy hands. He loves to utilize his boxing skills and punching power to pick his opponent apart. Whenever he is in the gym, he is tirelessly honing his overall game; that is why he is called “The Beast”.

“My character and fighting style resembles a beast. Also, my training is always in “beast mode”.”

Kim will face top Hawaiian prospect, Nate “Da Great” Thorell on May 18th at PXC 37. Thorell has an impressive ground game and never-ending endurance and is tagged as the next great featherweight to come out of Hawaii. But the Korean fighter is not worried about what people say about his next foe. He is convinced that he will win against him and will fight in the tournament’s final round in August.

“He is a tall fighter (Thorell) with good physique, but nothing better. As for the tournament, I think I will meet Mark Striegl in the finals.”

The Beast’s work ethic is second to none. He wakes up every morning to do his road work and gets back in the gym to learn some new techniques and sparring. He knows that Thorell is no pushover, so as usual, Kim is making sure that he will be on his 110% percent come fight night.

” I am participating in this tournament, so it is a must for me to win. At the moment, I am focusing on my physical condition and I am set to peak at PXC 37.”

This is a very important fight of Kim’s MMA career. He is eager to bounce back from a devastating loss against the outgoing PXC featherweight champ, Joe “The Juggernaut” Taimanglo last year at PXC 32. He believes that Striegl will win his fight against the tough Japanese fighter, Yusuke Yachi.

“This is a very important opportunity for me, PXC is my home, and of course I’ll do my best. I believe Mark Streigl will win his fight. When I fought Taimanglo, lady luck wasn’t on my side. But from then and now, my fight game has definitely improved. Again, I am always looking to improve my game and be more well-rounded.”

Kim established himself as of the toughest featherweights in the PXC by beating three of the most feared fighters in the Guam-based MMA promotion, Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento, Fasi Jesse and Ronnie Borja. He is confident that he is much skilled and more deadly fighter than Thorell.

“I believe I have an advantage of him over everything, but his reach is longer than mine.”

He may not be the most athletic and skilled fighter in the tournament, he may not be be the crowd’s favorite, but “The Beast” knows that he will win the title because he really prepared well for it.

“Please show some support for my fight. I’ll be winning the tournament so don’t put all your interests and high hopes up on Mark Streigl.”

Jang Young Kim vs. Nate Thorell Preview:

PXC 37 also features another Korean Top Team fighter as rising lightweight prospect Hong Seong Chan looks to stay unbeaten inside the PXC cage as he faces Filipino PXC vet Glen Ranillo.

Team Lakay’s Troy “The Hunter” Bantiag looks for another K.O win as he takes on heavy-handed Trevin Jones.

Bantiag’s teammate, one of the most popular PXC fighters today, Jerome Wanawan, looks to bounce back from his PXC 34 loss against Eugene Toquero by taking on Fight Works MMA’s Ernesto Montilla Jr.

Wanawan vs. Montilla Jr. Preview:

PXC 37 Fight Card:

PXC World Bantamweight Championship

Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge vs. Michinori Tanaka

Four-Man Featherweight Tournament:

Mark “Mugen” Striegl vs. Yusuke Yachi

Jang Yong “The Beast” Kim vs. Nate “Da Great” Thorell

Under Card Bouts:

Troy “The Hunter” Bantiag vs. Trevin Jones [Bantamweight]

Jerome Wanawan vs. Ernesto Montilla Jr. [Flyweight]

Syafiq “The Slasher” Abdul Bin Samad vs. Wesley Pereira [Lightweight]

Arex Montalban vs. Rolando Dy [Featherweight]

*Few more match-ups to be annunced

Visit PXC.COM.PH for the latest updates!

A World Title Fight and a Four-Man Featherweight Tourney Is Set For PXC 37 On May 18th!

PXC 37 is going to show you MMA at its best!

PXC 37 will showcase gigantic match-ups including a world title fight and a 4-man tournament for the PXC Featherweight Title as Crisanto Pitpitunge will defend his world bantamweight title against the surging Michinori Tanaka, while Mark Striegl, Jang Young Kim, Yusuke Yachi and Nate Thorell will battle it out to become the PXC featherweight champion.

Photo by PXC

Filipino world bantamweight champ will defend his world title as Team Lakay’s Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge (4-1) battles undefeated Japanese fighter Michinori Tanaka (7-0). Pitpitunge’s last fight shocked a lot of people as he put Justin Cruz to sleep in a single punch to his chin; everyone went nuts as PXC crowned its new bantamweight champion in Pitpitunge.

Tanaka is known for his very tricky ground game. The 22-year-old Japanese fighter is arguably the best grappler in the PXC and one of the youngest fighters to ever compete in the guam-based MMA organization. While the champ, Crisanto Pitpitunge is a KO artist who loves to stand and bang with his opponents – that’s why he is called “The Slugger”. It is another classic striker versus grappler match-up and a highly candidate to get the KO or Submission Of The Night honors.

Another Filipino MMA icon is set to fight in PXC 37 as one of Asian MMA’s best featherweights, Mark “Mugen” Striegl makes his third PXC appearance and looks to stay unbeaten inside the PXC cage as he participates PXC’s four-man featherweight tournament against a Japanese featherweight champion, Yusuke Yachi.

Also, another match-up for the said tourney is set between KTT’s Jang Young Kim and Hawaii’s Nate Thorell. The winner of the said tourney will be crowned as the new PXC featherweight title.

The first-ever Singaporean fighter to be signed by the PXC, Syafiq “The Slasher” Abdul Bin Samad, a very well-rounded fighter, will make his PXC debut against the PXC vet, Glen Ranillo.

There are more exciting match-ups to be announced in the coming days, so stay tuned!

For the latest news, visit PXC.COM.PH

PXC Announces Four-Man Featherweight Tourney On May 18th!

With PXC’s Featherweight Champ, Joe Taimanglo, relocating to California and signing with Belator, PXC has decided to position 4 of their top fighters in the Featherweight Division against each other to decide who will be the new Champ! Taimanglo was slated to fight the undefeated Mark Striegl, but was released to Belator in order to pursue a title in the US mainland. Another PXC Featherweight, Hawaii’s Dustin Kimura, recently picked up a debut victory in The UFC, opening up PXC’s Featherweight Division for new stars to compete for the title.

The tournament will feature some of the most-respected names in Asia-Pacific Mixed Martial Arts, and should make for 2 outstanding matches at PXC-37, slated for May 18th in Manila, Philippines. The winners are scheduled to face each other in a Title Fight in August.

Representing the Philippines, and one of the favorites in the tournament, is undefeated Filipino-American, Mark Striegl, who trains out of Figth Corps MMA in Baguio City, Philippines. Striegl’s last victory was last November against Hawaii’s Harris Sarmiento, who currently holds the PXC Lightweight Belt and sometimes fights at Featherweight as well. With that victory, Striegl established himself as the top contender for Taimanglo’s Title. And with over 700,000 viewers of that bout in the country, Striegl has become a household name and the top prospects to The UFC from the Philippines. Striegl also spent considerable time training and studying in Japan and has fought in several leagues throughout Asia building up a large fan base while collecting 12 wins as a professional.

Recently signing with PXC with a mission to beat Striegl is Shooto Champion, Yusuke Yachi from the famed Krazy Bee team in Tokyo, Japan. Yachi Yusuke has incredible technique both on his feet and on the ground  and his extremely aggressive fighting style and conditioning is expected to make this Striegl’s toughest bout to date. At the young age of 22, Yusuke trains alongside UFC Fighter, “Kid” Yamamoto, and is also talked about as one of the top prospects to The UFC from Asia…but determined to add the PXC Featherweight belt to his trophy case.

Representing South Korea is one of the best MMA fighters in Seoul training in the most-respected camp, Korean Top Team (KTT). “The Beast”, Jang Yong Kim has fought in Korea and Japan before signing with PXC and has recorded wins in PXC’s Featherweight Division against Harris Sarmiento, Raja Shippen, and Fasie Jessie. His last fight was a loss against Joe Taimanglo for the Featherweight Title almost a year ago and this is Kim’s opportunity to regain momentum and position himself for another PXC Featherweight Title Fight in August.

Finally, ready to stand up against Kim is Hawaii’s Nate Thorell, a rising star from 808 Fight Factory in Honolulu with an impressive 4-1 record as a professional. Standing almost 6 feet tall, Thorell has experienced fighting elite grapplers and continues to train against some of the best in the world from Hawaii. Thorell has quick striking ability from any angle and incredible endurance. The only question is how he plans to deal with Kim’s aggressive takedown and submission offensive.

PXC-37 is presented by San Mig Strong Ice and Sports 5. With special thanks to Axe Apollo, PLDT MY DSL, Fitness First, FHM Philippines, FHM.com.ph, Premiere Condoms, Healthway Agility Phil, Beer Below Zero, Real Sports Radio, Loqal.ph, Filquest Media Concepts, Eden Night Club, SM Tickets and TicketWorld.

For more information on PXC, check out www.pxc.com.ph or www.facebook.com/pxcmma. Tickets now available at www.smtickets.com and www.ticketworld.com.ph!

Newly Signed PXC Fighter Yusuke Yachi To Fight Mark Striegl At PXC 37

Photo by Daniel Herbertson

Japan’s Shooto champ, Yusuke Yachi (9-3), signs with one of Asia’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions,  Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC), and will make his debut on May 18^th in the Philippines versus Filipino MMA star, Mark “Mugen” Striegl (12-0) at PXC 37 for the four-man World Championship Featherweight Tournament.  Another matchup for the said featherweight tournament is yet to be announced in the coming weeks.

Yachi is one of Japan’s rising MMA stars, who train alongside some of the best Japanese fighters with the very popular Krazy Bee dojo in Tokyo, Japan.

The 22-year-old Yachi is a tactician; he likes to wear his opponent down with his style of fighting. He has a notable wins over Wataru Miki and Yuji Hoshino. He is making his debut in the PXC, carrying with him his impressive 5-fight winning streak and looks to put the first loss on Striegl’s record.

PXC’s featherweight division is one of the deepest divisions any Asian MMA promotions today in terms of talents. PXC CEO and Promoter, E.J Calvo, stated, “We pride ourselves on recruiting young talent and giving them exposure with tough fights against some of the best fighters from California to China.” Calvo also stated, we are happy to welcome Yusuke Yachi to our PXC roster of elite featherwegiths. He is an exciting technical fighter on his feet as well as on the ground.”

PXC 37 will also feature a world bantamweight championship bout between another young Japanese rising star, Michinori Tanaka, who will go up against the champ, Team Lakay’s Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge.

Also, the always exciting PXC flyweight champion, Ale “The Young Gun” Cali defends his title for the second time against an undefeated Hawaiian fighter, Louis “Da Last Samurai” Smolka.

The first-ever Singaporean fighter to sign with PXC, Syafiq “The Slasher” Abdul Bin Samad will also make his debut against a PXC veteran, Glenn Ranillo in a lightweight matchup.

PXC 37 will take place on May 18, 2013 at The Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig-Manila, Philippines. The event will be broadcast nationwide on AKTV via IBC-13 to millions of viewers in the Philippines, and will stream online via PXC’s Facebook page.

Visit www.pxc.com.ph or www.facebook.com/pxcmma for news and information.