Stepping up in weight for a high-stakes opportunity, Pacio faced one of ONE Championship’s most explosive and technically sharp champions. Wakamatsu ultimately proved too powerful in the flyweight division, securing a second-round technical knockout victory in the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title bout.
The Japanese champion’s pressure, speed, and striking output gradually wore down Pacio, who struggled to find consistent rhythm as the fight progressed. However, the Filipino star showed flashes of brilliance in the opening rounds, nearly turning the contest on its head with a powerful left hook that sent Wakamatsu to the canvas and briefly forced the champion into defensive mode.
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Despite the setback, Pacio remains firmly established as one of the premier fighters in ONE Championship’s strawweight division, where he continues to hold the world title and build a legacy as one of the Philippines’ most accomplished mixed martial artists.
The 30-year-old is now shifting his focus back to his natural weight class, where he is set to defend his strawweight crown against Russia’s Mansur Malachiev in a highly anticipated rematch at Inner Circle 21. The bout is scheduled for July 10 at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
🆕 The Inner Circle is becoming must-see viewing every week for ONE Championship fans – and its July 10 card will carry a strong Filipino flavour.
Joshua Pacio defends his strawweight MMA world title against Mansur Malachiev in a revenge-charged rematch at Lumpinee Stadium,… pic.twitter.com/XJAdVpBxzV
— Nick Atkin (@nickatkinone) June 15, 2026
For Pacio, the upcoming title defense represents more than just another championship fight—it is an opportunity to reaffirm his dominance at strawweight and further cement his place in ONE Championship history.
“This fight is very important. Every title defense adds to your legacy, especially against a tough opponent like Malachiev,” Pacio said in a media interaction.
The Filipino champion also reflected on the broader meaning behind his career journey, emphasizing that his motivations extend beyond personal accolades as he carries the responsibility of representing both his country and his faith.
“For me, it’s not just about being remembered as a champion, but about inspiring others and showing who really brought me to where I am now, and that is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God willing, if I can continue to defend my title and perform well, I believe that will speak for itself when it comes to my legacy,” he added.
Pacio’s defeat in Tokyo marks a rare setback in his pursuit of multi-division success, but his track record in the strawweight division remains firmly intact. With another title defense on the horizon, attention now turns to whether he can extend his reign and continue building one of the most decorated careers in Philippine MMA.
While Joshua Pacio’s attempt at double-champ status came up short, his standing as a dominant strawweight champion remains unchanged. As he prepares for a rematch with Mansur Malachiev, Pacio now shifts focus to defending his legacy and strengthening his case as one of the greatest Filipino fighters in ONE Championship history.
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