Cali ready for PXC title duel vs Montilla

MANILA, Philippines - Ale Cali seeks to regain the flyweight Pacific X-treme Combat crown he lost to Hawaiian Louis Smolka late last year as he clashes with Ernesto Montilla Jr. in the main event of the PXC 43 on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Cali, a native of Davao City, bowed to Smolka last November but trained hard and improved his ground game in a bid to get back on track.

“I’m working with someone who has vast experience on fighting on the ground and I hope to show what I’ve learned,” said Cali in Filipino in yesterday’s PXC press launch at the Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City.

But Cali faces a tough challenge against Montilla, who is hoping to ride the crest of his huge victory over Jinel Lanusa, also in PXC 41, and use his equally powerful striking game.

“I’m ready for this match and I will give him (Cali) the fight he will never forget,” said Montilla.

According to PXC president EJ Calvo, the winner of the Cali-Montilla showdown could end up getting a crack at the vacant flyweight crown by Smolka, now with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the biggest and most popular fight card in the world today.

“There’s a chance the winner of this fight could get a shot for the vacant flyweight title,” said Calvo, who was accompanied by Sports5 official Vito Lazatin in the event launch.

Glen Ranillo, unbeaten in two fights, slugs it out with Reno Remegio Jr., who hopes to come out strong after a long layoff.

Gina Iniong, the Phl’s first female mixed martial arts fighter, eyes a second straight fight as a pro as she clashes with Japanese Mei Yamaguchi.

PXC 43 is presented by Red Horse Beer and Sports5 and supported by Beer Below Zero, FHM.com.ph, Malaya, Fitness First, Premiere Condoms, Hayabusa, LoQal.ph, FHM Magazine,  Healthway Medical, Resorts World Manila, Bar 360, and Remington Hotel.

PXC 43 will be shown on Sunday at 3 p.m. on TV5.