Sarmiento tweaks strategy for PXC 35
REIGNING Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC) lightweight champion Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento said that he totally changed his preparation for his title defense against challenger Isaiah “Ice” Ordiz on in PXC 35 tomorrow, Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Sarmiento, 29, told reporters in a press conference on Thursday that he really wanted to rebound from his previous loss against Mark Streigl in a non-title match in the previous edition of PXC.
“I want to forget what happened in the past and start fresh,” said Sarmiento (35-24 win-loss card). “I changed my boxing and conditioning coaches, my schedule of training, my ways of fighting and everything. I’m so very hopeful this changes would earn positive results.”
Sarmiento, who was born in Ilocos Norte and raised in the US, said he is now focusing mostly on ground fighting and submission techniques.
Two of his favorite submission holds are the leg lock and the armbar. Using his superb upper body strength, Sarmiento can hold an opponent very tight once he caught him.
“I’m doing a lot to improve my grip— my tight grip besides my striking skills. But I know Ordiz is a smart opponent and hungry to win a title,” said Sarmiento. “Let’s just see what may happen Saturday night. All I can say so far is I really love to fight.”
Ordiz, 27, said he is doing everything to improve his stamina by beefing up his cardio and strength workouts.
“Harris is a well-rounded fighter and a very durable opponent. He is also quick as a cat with power on both hands, so I’m preparing very well,” said Ordiz (2-0 win-loss log), who hails from San Pedro, Laguna.