For most mixed martial arts (MMA) fans, it will be a classic matchup: a technical submission specialist versus a feared striker.
Reigning Pacific X-Treme Combat (PXC) bantamweight champion Justin “The Shocker” Cruz of Guam is set to defend his title against Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge of the Philippines in the main event of PXC 31 to be held on July 14 at the Ynares Center in Pasig City.
Pitpitunge, a member of Team Lakay based in Baguio City, earned the right to fight the champion Cruz after winning his last 3 fights in previous PXC events. Living up to his moniker, Pitpitunge stopped 2 of his last 3 opponents, pounding out successive victories with his heavy fists and leg kicks.
The Filipino fighter will need to fight at his best if he hopes to become the second Filipino to become a champion at the PXC after Davao’s Ale Cali.
Pitpitunge, with an MMA record of 3 wins and 1 loss, however, will be facing a very formidable fighter in Cruz, a seasoned MMA veteran and considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the PXC.
The veteran champion Cruz, sporting a record of 18 wins and only 4 losses, is undefeated since May 2010. Most of his wins in 22 fights came via submission.
The two fighters will be fighting for the PXC bantamweight belt to be contested at 135 pounds. Cruz is said to be training heavily for the fight, and not taking Pitpitunge lightly.
According to EJ Calvo, PXC promoter, the PXC main event featuring Cruz versus Pitpitunge “will be a war.”
Aside from Cruz and Pitpitunge, some of the best fighters from the US, Guam, and the Philippines will be fighting at PXC 31.
Since its expansion in the Philippines in 2010, the PXC has been bringing exciting events to Filipino fans through competitive fight cards.
PXC31 is presented by San Mig Strong Ice and Sports 5. Special thanks to Egames, Best Western F1 Hotel, Rogin E, Fitness First, Beer Below Zero, Premiere Condoms, FHM Philippines, FHM.com.ph, Healthway Agility Phil, Real Sports Radio, Loqal.ph. Tickets are available at SM Tickets and Ticketworld.
