Arenal-Tuck showdown in PXC 28

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino MMA star Tristan Arenal goes up against Abu Dhabi grappling champ Jon Tuck in the PXC (Pacific X-Treme Combat) 28 this Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

UFC superstar Brandon Vera graces the action-packed event as a special guest of honor.

The PXC, the mixed martial arts organization based in Guam, made its debut here this year with PXC 24 last June and PXC 26 last August. Its television partnership with AKTV on IBC13 has instantly made it as the country’s top MMA show. The fights are aired live and watched by millions of Filipino viewers as well as international audience.

“PXC has established itself as a leading martial arts company and we are poised for continued expansion and growth in the Philippines,” said PXC promoter and general manager EJ Calvo, who is also raring to see the first homegrown Filipino fighter go up to the highest level of the sport.

“We want PXC to be the driving force behind raising the bar for mixed martial arts in the Philippines and Asia. PXC is the only event in the Philippines that has actually had fighter come through our ranks to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC),” Calvo said.

The PXC head is also thrilled over the prospect of having an amateur league launched in 2012. The aim is to have other fighters follow in the footstep of noted Fil-Am UFC fighters like Vera and Mark Muñoz. In fact, Vera has frequented PXC as a coach for teammates from the US.

“It is extremely important that PXC not only recruit MMA talent, but we develop the sport as well in the Philippines. This is what makes the level of competition higher than other shows in the region,” Calvo said.

PXC also recently landed in the pages of FIGHT! Magazine, the most respected and influential publication in the mixed martial arts world. The recognition in the Sept. 2011 issue of the magazine established PXC as one of the top MMA tournament in the Asia-Pacific region.

PXC 28 is presented by AKTV and San Mig Strong Ice. Tickets are available at Ticketworld (ticketworld.com.ph) starting as low as P350 with one free beer.