Saipan fans want more PXC

The Saipan World Resort was the place to be Saturday night, and many knew it as the hotel’s Royal Taga Hall was jam packed with mix martial arts fans.

This as Pacific Xtreme Combat Preba Hao returned to Saipan and entertained all in attendance with 13 no holds barred fights, including two four-man battles that tested fighters’ endurance.

When the final bout of the evening between Charleston Aiken of Gracie Barra and Kelvin Fitial of CHOKECHAIN was in the books, MMA fans expressed their satisfaction, and despite just witnessing a third MMA event in less than three months, all were thirsting for more.

“I liked it. It was a lot more interesting than the first Preba Hao because all the fighters were local and everyone from from the home team,” said As Lito resident Sharleen Sablan. “I liked it and I enjoyed myself and I’m definitely looking forward to the next one.”

“There are so many gyms here…and all [fighters] are willing to each other, so we get to see a variety of fighters instead of the same fighters all the time,” she added.

For his part, James Santos of Garapan explained that while all the fights were interesting, what caught his attention the most was the lightweight four-man battle.

“The fights were good, but for me, it was the lightweight fighters that I liked the best,” he said. “There are a lot of fights to remember, but the one that will stand out for me is the lightweight finals. Those two guys can fight. This is the first time for me [to witness an MMA event], and I’m loving it.”

“I’m already looking forward to the next fight, and once I hear news about it, I’m getting my ticket,” Santos added.

For his part, Christopher Johnson of Portland, Oregon was on island visiting a friend, and explained that the event will be one he will remember and talk about back home.

“I didn’t know I was going to watch it. I came on Thursday, and my friend had tickets. She couldn’t come to the fight, but I came and I’m glad I did,” he said.

The fights were also witnessed by jiu jitsu world champion Marcio Feitosa and Marco Joca of Gracie Barra America, with Feitosa stating that the event gives participant a venue to showcase their skills and improve by learning from experiences.

Aiken was able to defeat Fitial via unanimous decision to win the four-man battle. Aiken advanced after defeating Juan Iguel of TK9, while Fitial got “Kill” Bill Saures to submit. With the win, Aiken earned a shot against PXC heavyweight champion Manny “The Enforcer” Chong.

The lightweight battle featured Manny Laniyo of Gracie Barra defeating Leroy Sablan of CHOKECHAIN in the finals. Laniyo first beat Steve Suzuki, while Sablan downed Shabb Sablan. The victory by Laniyo earned him a spot in a four-man battle in Guam in the near future.

Other fights include Giovanni Sablan of Trench Tech Purebred Saipan defeating Vinnie Camacho, Syl Teregeyo of CHOKECHAIN beating Jeremy Faisao, Myron San Nicolas of CHOKECHAIN defeating Chris Sablan, Jay Tilipao of CHOKECHAIN beating Jaime Hermosilla, Bernie “The Shadow of Death” Neth submitting Lucio Omar of Dragon Tribe, Anthony Robert getting a split decision win over John Tudela, and Dragon Tribe’s Joel Pangelinan beating Joe Lisua.

PXC Preba Hao was sponsored by Miller Lite, Pepsi, and SaipanCell Communicatios.