MANILA, Philippines - Whether rising star Crisanto Pitpitunge of Kayang Lakay Gym deserves a slot in the Philippine wushu team will be known Saturday when he faces American Mark “The Infinite” Striegl in the Universal Reality Combat Championship-Colt 45 Baguio III tournament at the Baguio Convention Center.
The 22-year-old Pitpitunge is one of a number of aspirants from the north seeking a slot in the national team through the URCC meet which has produced several top athletes, including multi-titled Eduard Folayang.
Noted for his takedown, the 5-foot-6 Pitpitunge is seeking his second mixed martial arts (MMA) win after hurdling his first test in emphatic fashion.
But against Striegl who boasts of a 2-0 record, Pitpitunge will have to sharpen his ground and pound skills to have a better chance of winning their featherweight duel in the event co-sponsored by Tribal Gear and backed by Century Tuna, Solar TV and Frenzy condoms.
Like Pitpitunge, Honorio Banario is also out to earn a spot in the national team when he battles Iranian Razi Jabbari in the tournament dubbed as Invasion.
Other matches on tap in the 10-bout event serving as one of the side attractions of the city’s famed Flower festival are the Kalinga’s Arnold Agapito-Finland’s Marko Huusansaari, Roldan Sangcha-an-Lloyd Faroden clash, and Geje Eustaquio-Rex Wa-o, Keiff Mangusan-Effren Bayongan Jr.
Jerome Wanawan-Redentor Saclag, Dario Banario-Johnson Kayachen, Raysaldo Biagtan-Adam Cacay and Egay Diaz-Johnny Bitaga duels.
The first match starts at 8 p.m. with ticket prices pegged at P200 and P500.