PXC champ Ale Cali proud of Pitpitunge’s victory, gears for fight with Erwin Tagle

Ale Cali. AKTV/Paul Mata

Pacific X-treme Combat flyweight champion Ale “The Young Gun” Cali, who became the first homegrown Filipino champion in the promotion last February when he defeated Guamanian Jesse Taitano to win the 125-pound title, is proud to welcome another member to the club.

Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge of Team Lakay Wushu entered the ranks of the homegrown champions with a highlight-reel knockout of Justin Cruz at PXC 31 Saturday to win the PXC bantamweight title.

“I’m very proud of him now that there’s two of us (Filipino champions),” said Cali in Filipino immediately after the main event of the fight card.

“It’s natural that I’m rooting for him,” said the Davao native. “He’s Filipino and the fight was held right here in our country.”

Cali was impressed with Pitpitunge’s knockout punch, though he felt Cruz showed signs of overconfidence in the fight.

Earlier in the night, the PXC also announced Cali’s next appearance for the promotion – a title defense against fellow Filipino Erwin Tagle of Submission Sports Philippines, who holds an MMA record of 1-win, 1-loss and 2 draws.

“I used to idolize him before,” Cali said of his upcoming opponent.

Going toe-to-toe with somebody he looks up to should make for one interesting matchup, and Cali said he’s looking forward to the September fight.

“I’m really excited for this. And in my opinion, it’s not just us but all of the people who watch PXC must be excited for this, too.”

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