Kelvin to take on Aussie foe in Hex 23

Fitial

Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial will try to get back into the win column when he takes on Aussie newcomer Junior Tafa in Hex Fight Series 23 set for Aug. 5 in Melbourne, Australia.

The 38-year-old Fitial has the advantage in terms of experience as he comes into the 265-lb heavyweight fight with a 15-12-2 win-loss-draw card.

The 25-year-old Tafa, meanwhile, only has a match under his belt, which he won. Like Fitial, the Queensland native is also 6’3” in height.

Fitial, who is fighting out of Trench Tech Gym, Marianas Elite, and Four Seasons Martial Arts & Fitness, has lost his last four mixed martial arts fights.

Last April, Aaron Bush beat Fitial via submission in B2 Fighting Series 157 in Lexington, Kentucky.

A month before that in March, ​​the CNMI’s pride lost to Dominique Steele via unanimous decision in B2 Fighting Series 152 in West Virginia.

In August 2021, Fitial was knocked out cold by Rakim Cleveland in B2 Fighting Series 132 in Kentucky. 

Faja

Curiously, Fitial’s losing streak started in the Land Down Under when he succumbed to Ben Sosoli in Hex Fight Series 18 in March 2019.

Fitial’s last win in the octagon was when the former CNMI national basketball player defeated Peter Miyasaki in Rites of Passage 21 “Throwdown” on Saipan in May 2017.

A little over a week before his matchup against Faja, Fitial said he will treat the upcoming match like his previous 27 other fights.

“It means a lot to me. I’ve learned to win, and I’ve learned to lose. This is neither a last chance nor a redemption fight. To me, this is fight No. 28, another swim in the ocean to see how far I can go this time.”

At 38 years old, Fitial said he still has a lot left in the tank. 

“I’m always reminded by my friends and family about my age and I’m aware. Mentally and physically, I know how far I can push my body and my mind is also aware of what can happen if I don’t adapt or have a plan. All my fights, these contests against another human, mean so much to me. I love to compete and I’m feeling really good,” he said.

Fitial is also inviting his family, friends, and fight fans to watch him fight next week in Australia.

 “To all my friends and family, you can watch me on HEX 23 on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. I’ll be in Melbourne Pavilion, Flemington Victoria, Australia or on FITE.TV,” he said.

Shake “Pikaboo” Alvarez will serve as Fitial’s cornerman against Faja in Hex Fight Series 23.