KYLE AGUON’S FIRST SHOT

Kyle Aguon earned a shot at the PXC Bantamweight belt with a split decision win over Hawaii’s Russell Doane in PXC 38 last August. Now he’s looking to bring the title back to Guam as he faces the newly-crowned Japanese champion Michinori Tanaka. GSPN catches up with Aguon just days before the big fight at the UOG Field House on Oct. 25.

Kyle Aguon gets his hands raised in victory by Big John McCarthy at PXC 38 over Russell Doane. (GSPN file photo)

GSPN: What went through your mind when the PXC told you you were fighting for the featherweight title?

KA: All I thought about was how long I been training for and finally this was my chance to put all my skills, experience and technique together for the biggest fight in my MMA career.

GSPN: Current champion Michinori Tanaka is one tough dude. How much film time have you put in on him? What do you like most about his fighting style?

KA: I have watched a few films to know that he is a decent wrestler and a good scrambler. I like that he wrestles and would love to see how our styles match up.

GSPN: He’s much shorter than you. He’s 5’5″ and you’re 5’9″. How can your height and reach work in your advantage?

KA: Knowing that I am a few inches taller than him I can use my striking to my advantage.

GSPN: Tanaka still hasn’t lost at 8-0 while you’ve tasted defeat at 6-3. What did those losses do to your game that could help in this fight against an undefeated champion?

KA: The losses helped me grow as an athlete. Losing helped me understand what I needed to do to become successful in MMA.

GSPN: You both beat Hawaii’s Russell Doane. Tanaka tapped him out in the third round while you came away with a split decision win in your last fight. Does that make a difference?

Kyle Aguon attacks Russell Doane in the main event of PXC 38 on Aug. 9. (GSPN file photo)

KA: No fight is the same styles make fights. I feel that I am a bad match up for Tanaka.

GSPN: Tanaka has submitted five of his eight opponents. How do you counter his ground game?

KA: I am not worried about Tanaka’s ground game. The way to counter his ground game is to be ahead of every move he makes.”I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score.”  I do not feel his ground game is more superior than mine. I do not mind getting in a grappling battle with Tanaka. I am comfortable where ever the fight goes.

GSPN: This is going to be your first five-round fight. How different are you training for this fight?

KA: The only thing different is I am adding more rounds to my training sessions. I have also been more consistent with CrossFIt.

GSPN: Do you feel the pressure of the home crowd when you fight? Will it be any different going for the PXC title?

KA: There is always pressure when fighting on island, but through experience I have learned to calm my nerves and stay focused. I take every fight the same  train as hard as I can and perform the way I know I can perform.

GSPN: Why should a local MMA fan come to watch your fight?

KA: There is no belt on Guam, so come October 25 I am bringing the belt back on Island. Support local Hehaw!

GSPN: Good luck Kyle. GSPN and the island are rooting for you.

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