Hitman faces Borja in X-treme Combat

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento showcases his talent and fighting skills before local fans for the second time as he tries to unseat reigning lightweight champion Ronnie Borja of Guam in the Pacific X-treme Combat’s PXC 26 on Saturday at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.

Sarmiento, an Ilocos Norte native before his family migrated to Hawaii when he was five years old, wowed the crowd in PXC’s first venture in the country last June where he beat Alex Castro of Guam via a unanimous decision and has vowed to go all out again, this time against the younger champion.

“I actually can’t speak Ilocano or Tagalog,” said Sarmiento, who had 33 wins in 55 fights, in yesterday’s PXC press conference at the Cravings at EDSA Shangri-La Mall in Pasig City.

“I just want the Filipino community to show what I’ve got. I trained hard for this fight,” said Sarmiento, who had practically fought the best fighters in the Strikeforce and International Fight League.

The 22-year-old Borja, who had seven wins in eight fights, is expected to rely on his ground and pound skill to neutralize the stand-up advantage of Sarmiento, also a kickboxer, in the event to be aired by TV5 on its AKTV Channel.

“I can’t fight standing up but I would be more confident on the ground,” he said.

Organizers of PXC 26 expect nothing but an exciting bout.

“We’re very happy with our first PXC event in the Philippines,” said PXC president Joey Calvo. “Filipino MMA fans can be assured PXC will continue to stage exciting fights that will feature MMA fighters from different parts of the world.”

The PXC is a Guam-based mixed martial arts organization fast making inroads in the Pacific. Its return stint here is backed by San Mig Strong Ice in cooperation with Smart Communications, Beer Below Zero, Healthway Medical and Resorts World, with FHM, and 89.1’s Real Sports as media partners.

EJ Calvo, general manager and promoter of the only MMA outfit in the Pacific, said their return stint in the country was prompted by the interest of Filipino mixed martial artists.

“We have received a lot of interest from Filipino MMA fighters from different fight camps all over the country and they have expressed interest to participate in PXC26,” he said.