He’s been out of the ring for nearly two full years, but don’t think there’s any rust in Jon Tuck’s fight game.
Since his 2009 eight-second knockout against Eduard Folayang, considered by many as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the Philippines, Tuck has been mastering the art of jiu-jitsu. The humble 27-year-old captured the gold medal in the first ever Abu Dhabi World Professional BJJ Openweight Tournament in addition to a second place finish in the 78kg division – both in the blue belt division in 2010.
“For the past two years I wasn’t able to land any MMA fights so I’ve been keeping active by competing in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and No Gi tournaments all over the world,” Tuck said. “So I don’t feel like rust will be a factor in my upcoming fight.”
Tuck will be the main draw in PXC 28 November 26 in Pasig City, Philippines against Filipino-American Tristan Arenal fighting out of Milpitas, CA.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to fight,” the 5-0 fighter said. “I’ve wanted a fight for the past two years.”
Tuck has picked up his training regiment the last month and says everything is on schedule going into the final week of preparation for the big fight.
“Training is going great! Mixing it up with strength and conditioning, also my weight is on point,” said the Mangilao resident who needs to cut another 10 pounds before weigh-ins. “Everything is going as planned.”
He’s had a number of sparring partners from throughout the island that has helped him get the adrenaline going and the real-fight feeling.
Tuck’s opponent is riding a four-fight win streak after dropping his first professional bout. Arenal’s last victory came via TKO in PXC 26 on Aug 20. Arenal is considered an up-and-coming tough fighter ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone who is willing to stand with him.
“His ground-n-pound is good and his standup is really hard to deal with,” PXC matchmaker Ken San Nicolas said about Arenal. “He’s got real knock out power.”
San Nicolas added that it’s a clash of styles as Tuck brings his elite grappling game against a power puncher who’s never been put on his back. “Tuck has his hands full because he’s never fought anyone with dangerous hands like Arenal.”
As for Tuck, he’s not only training hard but doing some homework as well. “I’m watching his fights day and night. I won’t reveal what I will do, but like always, I am going to go in that cage and fight my heart out and give it my best with the pride of my family and the pride of my island of Guam!”
By Patrick Lujan
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