Rising PH fight artists test skills vs PXC foes

MANILA—Rogelito Plomeda and Carlos Tiongson, two fast-rising local mixed martial arts fighters, are bringing their act to the Pacific X-Treme Combat, a Guam-based MMA organization set to make its debut tomorrow at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.

Armed with powerful striking and ground skills that complement his boxing talents, Plomeda faces Josh “The Hedgehog” Alvarez, who won six of his first nine PXC assignments, in one of the two main bouts of the night.

Tiongson, victorious in two of three local matches, drew another foreign opponent in newcomer Ricky Camp of Guam in the other featured bantamweight clash.

Just like the veteran Plomeda, who owns an MMA win-loss-draw record of 8-8-1, Tiongson is gifted with commendable striking skills although PXC general manager EJ Calvo is more impressed with his defensive tactics.

Six other equally thrilling matches are on tap with Rolando Perez and Diego Garijo, mainstays of former Ultimate Fighting Championship star Brandon Vera’s Alliance Fight Academy in San Diego, California, fighting in the undercard. Guam’s Roque “The Champ” Martinez takes on Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial of Saipan in the super heavyweight title fight of the event presented by San Mig Strong Ice, Smart Communications, Beer Below Zero and Healthway Medical.

The official weigh-in is scheduled today an hour after the 10 a.m. presentation of fighters in a press conference at Resorts World Manila.