Photo from Pacific Xtreme Combat’s Facebook page.
Crisanto Pitpitunge’s goal: Raise the flag for Team Lakay.
After a number of defeats suffered by teammates in different mixed martial arts outfits, the 25-year-old is aching to show that Team Lakay is still a force to be reckoned with.
Pitpitunge (7-3) is a man on a mission as he seeks to dethrone Alvin Cacdac (16-3) from his seat as the PXC Flyweight Champion on Saturday.
“Frustrating na yung mga ka-teammates ko natatalo. Yun ang nagpupush sa akin na umabot sa highest level and perform at the best that I can,” he said.
(It’s frustrating that my teammates are losing. That’s what’s pushing me to go to the highest level and perform at the best that I can.)
Pitpitunge, who is also a police officer in Baguio, will be a co-main eventer in PXC 48 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, where fellow countryman Rolando Dy (5-3) is also looking to capture the PXC Bantamweight Championship against Guamanian Kyle Aguon (8-4).
But before that bout, all eyes will be on the Benguet native, who is gunning to be the first two-division title holder of the Pacific Xtreme Combat.
Pitpitunge previously won the bantamweight crown over Justin Cruz, but surrendered the title to Michinori Tanaka on his first title defense. From there, his stock fell after losing to Han Bin Park but eventually reclaimed his thunder after two consecutive wins leading to this title shot at the flyweight belt.
“I know the feeling (of winning a title). I want to keep that feeling again and I’m 101-percent motivated for this bout,” the 5-foot-6 Pitpitunge said. “This is nothing new for me. I’m so motivated to win.”
So pumped up was Pitpitunge that he made it known that he wants to end the match, scheduled for five rounds, early.
“I would like to knock him out, I would like him to submit as fast as possible. I believe Alvin is a great fighter, but it depends on how the fight will go,” he said.
Aside from the main bouts, other flyweights will also take the cage. Adamson Torbiso tests the debuting Nilo Vidal; John Chris Corton clash with newcomer Rufino Mante; Ernesto Montilla Jr. will face Jinel Lausa; and Marcelo Cabusas tangle with Mark Alcoba in his first pro fight.
Bantamweights will also join the fightcard. Undefeated Harold Banario take on Mark Abelardo; Roman Alvarez stakes his unblemished slate against Ernie Braca; and Genil Francisco and Charles Diao start their professional MMA careers as they open the festivities on Saturday. CFC