Cali starts quest to reclaim PXC flyweight crown, takes on Montilla

MANILA, Philippines – Ale Cali sets out to regain the flyweight Pacific X-treme Combat title he lost to Hawaiian Louis Smolka late last year as he clashes with countryman Ernesto Montilla, Jr. in the  main event of the PXC 43 on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Cali, a native of Davao City who zoomed to the top through his boxing and big heart, lost his title to Smolka after exposing the former's non-existent ground and pound game in PXC 41 last November.

"I went back home in Davao to improve my ground game," said Cali in Filipino in Wednesday's PXC presser at the Max restaurant in Quezon City.

"I'm working with someone who has vast experience on fighting on the ground and I hope to show what I've learned," he added.

Cali though will have his hands full against Montilla, who is hoping to ride the crest of his huge victory over Jinel Lanusa also in PXC 41 and use his equally powerful striking game and granite chin.

"I'm ready for this match and I will give him (Cali) fight he will never forget," said Montilla.

According to PXC president EJ Calvo, the winner of the Cali-Montilla showdown could end up getting a crack at the vacant flyweight crown by Smolka, who vacated it after he was tapped by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the biggest and most popular fight card in the world today.

"There's a chance the winner of this fight could get a shot for the vacant flyweight title," said Calvo, who was accompanied by Sports5 official Vito Lazatin in the briefer.

An intriguing duel between Glen Ranillo and Reno Remegio, Jr. also looms as the former is undefeated in two fights last year and the latter is expected to showcase vaunted punching power to lay off the rust of a long break.

Gina Iniong, the Phl's first female mixed martial arts fighter, eyes a second straight fight as a pro as she clashes with Japanese Mei Yamaguchi.

PXC 43 is presented by Red Horse Beer and Sports5 and supported by Beer Below Zero, FHM.com.ph, Malaya, Fitness First, Premiere Condoms, Hayabusa, LoQal.ph, FHM Magazine, FHM Magazine,  Healthway Medical, Resorts World Manila, Bar 360, and Remington Hotel.

PSC 43 will be shown on Sunday at 3 p.m. via TV5.