PXC has long been considered as one of the top-tier promotions in the Asian region. Fighters such as UFC 165’s Dustin Kimura, Hyun Gyu Lim, Jon Tuck and Joe Taimanglo among others have all been staples of the promotion that have gone on to become either UFC or Bellator MMA combatants.
PXC goes on a recruiting spree, signs Keita Nakamura, Will Chope among others
Yesterday, the promotion rocked the Asian MMA scene with some major news.
Officials confirmed several new additions to the fight roster, namely Will Chope (18-5), Mei Yamaguchi (11-5-1), Patricia Vidonic (8-6) and former UFC vets Keita Nakamura (26-5-2) and Shane Nelson (15-7).
With that, the PXC has certainly put a stamp on the Asian Mixed Martial Arts landscape in their bid to help in the growth of MMA within the region.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the new signings as they prepare for their respective PXC debuts in the near future:
Will Chope
Probably the tallest 145-lbs fighter in the region let alone perhaps the world, Will “The Kill” Chope is a well-known Mixed Martial Arts fighter in these parts. At just 23-years-old, Chope has amassed over 20 professional MMA bouts in a career that has spanned just three years.
In fact, it’s Chope’s dream to fight in the UFC, and according to the American, fighting in the PXC cage “is a proven route for him” to make it to the world’s famous octagon. He had to vacate his URCC belt, however, prior to putting pen-to-paper on his PXC deal.
After going 1-4 in his first five bouts, Chope turned the tides with a 17-1 run over a 24 month spell that saw him garner multiple championship straps. He’s currently riding on a 13-fight win streak.
Chope is set to make his PXC debut against Takumi Nakayama at PXC 40 in October.
Mei Yamaguchi, Patricia Vidonic
Both these athletes provide much needed experience to the female division, given the fact that they have about 30 professional bouts between them.
Mei YamaguchiYamaguchi has fought in MMA and Kickboxing, bringing an extensive resume to her PXC debut. Add the fact that she’s also had a Shoot Boxing career – you have a beast among the female division ranks. The Japanese veteran is expected to make her promotional debut at PXC 40.
Vidonic, in the meantime, may be a familiar face among MMA faithfuls having fought at Bellator MMA’s 84th and 94th installments. The Medford, Oregon native dropped decision defeats to Felice Herrig and Jessica Aguilar before being future endeavored, and is coming off a submission loss against Alida Gray in her most recent post-Bellator appearance.
Keita Nakamura
Japan’s Keita Nakamura entered the UFC undefeated, with a 15-0-2 record. Decision losses to Brock Larson and Drew Fickett, however, led to his release and he’s been competing in a myriad of promotions ever since.
With notable wins over Nobutatsu Suzuki, Yasubey Enomoto and Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Nakamura may indeed be PXC’s star signing as the 155-lbs fighter has been hotly-tipped to garner the PXC Lightweight strap sooner or later.
The 29-year-old is coming off five straight victories.
Shane Nelson
Nelson was on Season 8 of “The Ultimate Fighter”, but was eliminated by the eventual winner of the competition, Efrain Escudero.
He made his official UFC debut at the TUF: 8 finale, defeating George Roop by Split decision. After a win over Aaron Riley in his second appearance, though, the Hawaiian slumped to a 2-fight losing skid which led to his release.
Nelson was last seen at MFC 35 in Edmonton, Canada, where he was decisioned by Graham Spencer.
The 28-year-old is expected to make his promotional PXC debut on a fight card that’s been targeted for Manila, Philippines in November.
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