Filipino-Americans highlight PXC26

MANILA—Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento’s extensive experience is expected to play a key role when he tries to wrest the Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC) lightweight title from fellow Fil-Am Ronnie Borja on Saturday at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.

The 29-year-old Sarmiento totes a 32-win, 22-loss card and has battled some of the best mixed martial arts fighters since 2002, including Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz.

In contrast, the Guam-based Borja has fought only five times, dropping his first match before convincingly winning the rest.

Sarmiento, born in Ilocos Norte but now based in Hawaii, left a good impression among local MMA fans when he scored a unanimous decision over Alex Castro of Guam in PXC24 held in Manila last year.

The 5-foot-8 Borja, noted for his come-from-behind efforts, predicted during yesterday’s press conference at Shangrila-Edsa that the fight headlining PXC26 won’t go past the second round.

Sarmiento, an inch taller at 5-9, admitted he’s more comfortable fighting standing up.