Even with Sablan holding 15 wins and seven losses, he’ll be put to the test as he faces Striegl’s perfect three-win record.
“It’s a good experience. It’s been a while since I’ve fought someone from out of the islands,” Giovanni told Marianas Variety in an interview. “I’m excited for my fight, and I’m ready.”
In a separate interview via email, Striegl says he is prepared for their fight and will bring his best to land his fourth victory. Despite Sablan’s decorated past, Striegl still has his eye set on the octagon.
“Out of all the guys I’ve fought, he has by far the most experience. In fact he’s got more experience than all three of the guys I’ve fought put together. But I train with savages in Tokyo and I’m ready to go,” said the half-Filipino, half-American fighter.
Sablan lost his last two bouts against Guam’s Cody Cruz and Matt Manibusan but aims to pick up speed tonight.
“MMA records and experience does play a factor but it’s anyone’s game so anything can happen. You can get knocked out in one punch or get caught in a submission move,” he stated.
Both weigh 155 lbs. and stand at five feet and eight inches.
“I expect that Giovanni has trained really hard,” added Striegl. “He’s lost his last two, so I know he’s hungry for a win and will bring his A-game. I’ve prepared accordingly.”
His latest match came from the Philippines last February, where he submitted Crisanto Pitpitunge via rear-naked choke.
Sablan isn’t new to international fighters either, as he faced USA’s Eben Kaneshiro in 2008.
In the semi-main event, Underworld Xtreme’s Tyrone Jones (Guam) will make his MMA debut against another Trench Tech veteran, Fasi “Quikdraw” Jesse at 165 lbs.
Spike 22 Guam’s Mike “Flash” Taitano will duel it out against Simon “Bad Boy” Sebuu.
Other bouts include:
—“Tabi” Jay Muna vs. Jordan “Jungle Boy” Ogo at 125 lbs.
—“Badd” Brad Palacios vs. Maitai “The Charger” Charlie at 145 lbs.
—Shane “Pike Boo” alvarez vs. Derick “El Peligro” Rangamar at 140 lbs.
—Kev “The Rev” Esteves vs. Allan Guzman at 145 lbs.
—Zach Reyes vs. Rob Alvarez at 145 lbs.
—Ryan “TTrobz” Ngirbabul vs. Derrick San Nicolas at 195 lbs.
—Joe Duenas vs. Frank “Crippler” Atalig at 130 lbs.
—Roman Cabrera vs. Lyle Deleon Guerrero at 135 lbs.
—Josh “Chaos” Duenas vs. Josh Cruz at 140 lbs.
—Marlon Gardee vs. Jacob Ilo (kickboxing) at 125 lbs.
—Regino Mundo vs. Glenn Gardee (kickboxing) at 145 lbs.
