Everything’s set for Pacific Xtreme Combat’s 53rd show, as the main card fighters all made weight for the event.
In an intriguing card set-up by the matchmakers of PXC, the Guam-based league’s second foray in the Solaire Hotel and Resort’s Grand Ballroom will be headlined by two of the toughest strikers in Southeast Asia, as PXC World Welterweight Champion Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam is set to make his second title defense by facing regionally top-ranked welterweight Glenn Sparv.
“The striking is going to be world-class in the main event,” PXC President EJ Calvo said about the main event that will be held on Friday, April 8. “You’re talking about kicks with damage, striking with dangerous intentions, and knockouts that happen in the blink of an eye. It’s going to be high-level.”
Both fighters were able to make the welterweight limit, with Kadestam weighing in at 169.3 pounds while Finnish fighter Sparv was exactly 169.8 pounds.
“First fight in the PXC and there’s just one chance to make a first impression. I’m going to win and get my hand raised,” the challenger vowed.
However, the defending champion begged to differ, saying, “My striking is on point and pretty much that’s my advantage. I’m going to finish the fight in the first round. This is just pure hard work.”
Filipino sensation and second-generation fighter Rolando Gabriel Dy also made weight in his new home: the featherweight division. “Dy Incredible” checked in at 145.3 pounds, while undefeated Japanese prospect Koyomi Matsushima weighed 144.8 pounds.
Dy shared that he has scouted his opponent very well and had seen Matsushima during his fight in Guam. “He’s very aggressive and very powerful. His wrestling is very good but his jiujitsu is not. I believe my jiujitsu is better,” the Filipino featherweight said. “If he’s going to strike with me, I have my boxing and I have my Muay Thai. It’s not a problem.”
However, the main difference between him and his opponent, according to Dy, is experience. “One thing is for sure: I’m smarter than him,” he quipped.
Almost all Filipino fighters were able to make weight. However, Fil-Kiwi Bantamweight Mark Abelardo (12-4) was almost two pounds over the limit, as he clocked in at 137.8 pounds. His opponent Han Bin Park (6-3) weighed 135.9 pounds.
In addition, in the undercard, Ernie Braca (2-2) was a disappointing five pounds over the bantamweight limit. He checked in at 140.1 pounds, while his opponent, Stephen Loman of Team Lakay, was 134.8 pounds.
Both Abelardo and Braca have been penalized for missing the agreed upon weight.
Here are the results of the PXC 53: Kadestam vs. Sparv weigh-ins:
PXC 53: Kadestam vs. Sparv weigh-in results:
April 7, 2016 – Solaire Resort and Hotel, Pasay City
PXC Welterweight Championship
Zebaztian Kadestam (7-2) – 169.3 pounds
vs.
Glenn Sparv (12-3) – 169.8 pounds
Featherweight bout
Rolando Gabriel Dy (6-4) – 145.3 pounds
vs.
Koyomi Matsushimi (5-0) – 144.8 pounds
Bantamweight bout
Mark Abelardo (12-4) – 137.8 pounds
vs.
Han Bin Park (6-3) – 135.9 pounds
Flyweight bout
Jon Cris Corton (4-2) – 125.2 pounds
vs.
Riley Dutro (6-3) – 125.9 pounds
Bantamweight bout
Darwin Sagurit (5-3) – 134.8 pounds
vs.
Rex de Lara (5-5) – 133.9 pounds
Flyweight bout
Farmon Gafurov (3-1) – 125 pounds
vs.
Adamson Torbiso (1-1) – 125.1 pounds
Bantamweight bout
Ernie Braca (2-2) – 140.1 pounds
vs.
Stephen Loman (7-2) – 134.8 pounds
Flyweight bout
Anton Larsson (2-0) – 125.2 pounds
vs.
Adam Cacay (4-3) – 127.8 pounds
Lightweight bout
Aydin Mrouki (1-1) – 154.2 pounds
vs.
Jaypee Espinosa (1-1) – 155 pounds
