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Ale Cali took a picture with former UFC fighter Mark Muñoz after capturing the PXC flyweight title in 2012. MMA Orient (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
DAVAO--The Filipino MMA community will surely miss one of its superstars.
Ale Cali, one of the first Filipino world MMA champions, was gunned down early Sunday.
Unidentified people shot Cali, a former PXC flyweight champion, at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Ulas. He was declared dead on the spot by the Davao City police.
The police did not reveal other details of the said murder incident and will be revealed after the preliminary investigation is done.
On the other hand, PXC CEO E.J. Calvo expressed his sadness upon the killing of Cali.
In his official statement, Calvo said, "The PXC family mourns the passing of one of its best, Ale Cali. He fought with passion and heart, and will be remembered by PXC fans for his smile as much as his lighting fast hands. He will be honored by the MMA community in the Philippines for years to come."
Cali became an instant Filipino MMA sensation following his PXC debut, eventually taking the promotion's flyweight title in 2012.
He conceded the belt to Louis Smolka after the latter silenced the Ynares Sports Arena crowd in Pasig by knocking out the former in their November 2013 bout.
Cali is supposed to make a PXC return in its November fight card at the said venue. He is also supposed to take part in a local MMA promotion in Davao later this August.