Striegl, Korean clash for PXC feather crown

MANILA, Philippines - Undefeated Filipino fighter Mark Striegl battles dangerous rival Jang Yong Kim of Korean Top Team for the PXC featherweight crown, headlining the exciting PXC 39 card tomorrow at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Both fighters expressed confidence to win the vacant title during the press conference held at Max’s Restaurant in Scout Area, Quezon City yesterday.

“It’s going to be tough. He used to fight in heavier divisions and he’s a big 145lb fighter. But I’ll bring the fight to him. I’ll be aggressive and we’ll see,” said Striegl.

“I came here to win. I’ll go home with the championship belt,” said Jang through an interpreter.

The Striegl-Jang fight headlines the third PXC fight card to be held in the country this year and 10th overall. The card features eight fights in all starting at 8 p.m.

Aksyon TV will broadcast the combat action Sunday at 9 p.m.

The Baguio-based Striegl, considered the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter in the country, is staking his unblemished professional MMA record of 12 wins, with 10 by submission.

He won his last bout against PXC lightweight champion Harris Sarmiento with his trademark “Fil-Americana” arm lock submission at PXC 34 in November 2012.

He finally gets a crack at the title but faces a tough rival in Jang who has registered a couple of KO wins.

The Korean, who has a one-win, one-draw record against Filipino rivals, vows to knock out Striegl.

He’s coming off a win from PXC 37 where he submitted Nate Thorell with a Kimura lock in the first round.

The vacant PXC featherweight title was previously held by Guamanian Joe Taimanglo who was released by PXC earlier this year to Bellator, a prestigious MMA promotion in the United States owned by Viacom Media.

PXC 39 is expected to be a memorable, thrilling Saturday night of MMA action featuring upcoming fighters from Korea, Japan, Hawaii, Guam and the Philippines.

“PXC 39 will be a special event with so many big names of MMA. PXC has given opportunities to the most talented MMA fighters in the Philippines and the region, and we will continue to do so moving forward,” said PXC chief executive officer EJ Calvo.

PXC 39 is made possible through the partnership with Sports5 and San Mig Strong Ice, and with support from Beer Below Zero, FHM Magazine, FHM.com.ph, Real Sports, Fitness First, Healthway Agility Philippines, Loqal and Spin.ph.

For more information, visit PXC.InterAKTV.Ph.