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Tag: Joshua Pacio

  • Bong Go files Senate resolution honoring Joshua Pacio after successful ONE strawweight title defense

    Bong Go files Senate resolution honoring Joshua Pacio after successful ONE strawweight title defense

    Joshua Pacio’s impressive reign atop the ONE Championship strawweight division continues to earn recognition both inside and outside the cage.

     

    Fresh off a dominant title defense at ONE Friday Fights 121: Inner Circle 21, the reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion received praise from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who filed Senate Resolution No. 528 commending the Filipino mixed martial artist for another successful defense of his world title.

     

    Pacio retained his championship in emphatic fashion after submitting previously once-beaten Russian contender Mansur Malachiev via first-round rear-naked choke at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday, July 10.

     

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    Facing one of the division’s most dangerous challengers, the Team Lakay standout showcased the evolution of his all-around game by neutralizing Malachiev’s vaunted wrestling before securing the fight-ending submission. The victory further solidified Pacio’s place among the greatest Filipino mixed martial artists and reinforced his grip on the ONE Championship strawweight crown.

     

    The performance also caught the attention of Go, who hailed Pacio’s achievement as another shining example of Filipino excellence on the international stage.

    “Joshua Pacio’s victory is yet another proof that Filipino athletes can compete and prevail at the highest level of international competition. His dedication, discipline, and love for the country truly inspire our countrymen,” Go said.

     

    “It was not an easy fight against an undefeated opponent. But Joshua showed his skill, courage, and determination to bring home victory for our country once again. He deserves to be recognized for his unique achievement,” he added.

     

    As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go reiterated his commitment to supporting Filipino athletes through initiatives aimed at strengthening sports development and creating more opportunities for local talents to succeed on the global stage.

     

    “We will continue to support our athletes through programs that will strengthen sports development in the country. We believe that if we care for and support our athletes, we will achieve more success in various international competitions,” Go said.

     

    Go also pointed to the country’s recent success in major international competitions as evidence of the continued growth of Philippine sports, highlighting Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and Carlos Yulo’s two-gold performance at the Paris Olympics as milestones that have inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes.

     

    Pacio’s latest triumph adds another chapter to the Philippines’ growing list of international sporting achievements. With another successful title defense under his belt, the 30-year-old continues to establish himself as one of the country’s premier combat sports athletes while keeping the ONE Championship strawweight title firmly in Filipino hands.

     

    “Congratulations, Joshua Pacio. The Filipino people are proud of you. Thank you very much for your dedication and for the honor you brought home for our country once again. Long live you and long live the Filipino athlete!” Go concluded.

     

    This version adopts a cleaner sports-writing style by leading with Pacio’s achievement, reducing repetitive praise, improving transitions, and positioning the Senate resolution as the news development rather than the primary focus.

     

     

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  • Joshua Pacio retains ONE Strawweight title with submission win over Mansur Malachiev

    Joshua Pacio retains ONE Strawweight title with submission win over Mansur Malachiev

    Joshua Pacio once again proved why he remains the king of ONE Championship’s strawweight division, producing a commanding performance to successfully defend his ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship with a first-round submission victory over Russia’s Mansur Malachiev at ONE Friday Fights 121: Inner Circle 21 at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday, July 10.

     

    In one of the most highly anticipated strawweight bouts of the year, Pacio showcased his evolution as a complete mixed martial artist, neutralizing the dangerous wrestling of the previously once-beaten Russian before finishing the contest with a perfectly executed rear-naked choke.

     

    The emphatic victory further strengthened Pacio’s legacy as one of the greatest Filipino mixed martial artists of his generation and reaffirmed his status as the undisputed ruler of the ONE Championship strawweight division.

     

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    The bout carried significant importance for the reigning champion, who entered the contest determined to bounce back from one of the toughest moments of his career. Just eight months earlier, Pacio suffered the first knockout defeat of his professional career when Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu stopped him at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

     

    Rather than allowing that setback to define him, Pacio used it as motivation to improve every aspect of his game. Against Malachiev, the Team Lakay standout displayed the composure, confidence, and championship mentality that have defined his career.

     

    The challenger attempted to impose his game plan from the opening bell, pressing forward aggressively and looking to utilize his trademark wrestling to dictate the pace of the fight. However, Pacio was well prepared for every scenario.

     

    The Filipino champion expertly defended Malachiev’s takedown attempts while mixing together crisp striking, intelligent movement, and timely grappling transitions. As the opening round progressed, Pacio capitalized on a scramble on the ground, quickly taking his opponent’s back before locking in a tight rear-naked choke.

     

    Malachiev had no answer.

     

    Unable to escape the submission, the Russian eventually lost consciousness, prompting the referee to wave off the contest at the 4:23 mark of the opening round and hand Pacio another successful title defense.

     

    Following the victory, Pacio credited his coaching staff for developing a comprehensive game plan that allowed him to seamlessly blend striking and grappling against one of the division’s most accomplished wrestlers.

    “We prepared hard for this. My striking coach and my grappling coach mixed everything together because this is mixed martial arts. We knew he would go to his bread and butter, and that is the takedown,” Pacio said after the fight.

     

    The victory marked Pacio’s second successful defense during his third reign as ONE Strawweight World Champion, further cementing his place among the promotion’s most accomplished champions. His dominant performance also earned him a US$50,000 Performance Bonus, recognizing one of the night’s most impressive finishes.

     

    With the win, Pacio improved his professional mixed martial arts record to 24-5 while recording the 10th submission victory of his career, highlighting the continued evolution of his grappling game.

     

    For Malachiev, the defeat dropped his record to 14-2, with both losses coming against the Filipino champion. Despite entering the contest with an outstanding résumé and a reputation as one of the division’s elite grapplers, the Russian was once again unable to solve the puzzle presented by Pacio.

     

    Reflecting on his latest triumph, Pacio acknowledged the adversity he has overcome throughout his career and emphasized the perseverance that has enabled him to remain at the top of the division.

     

    “Man, I nearly got submitted by a rear-naked choke. It’s all about perseverance. I came back and got the rear-noked choke to win. That’s why I’m here. It’s never easy. I’m at the top of the food chain. I’m the champion. Whoever ONE Championship gives me, I will face them. But I’m studying the top five in this division every day. I’m looking at their strengths and weaknesses, so I’m ready,” he added.

     

    Pacio’s comments reflected the mindset that has made him one of the most respected champions in ONE Championship. Rather than focusing on a specific opponent, the 30-year-old made it clear that he remains committed to constant improvement and is prepared to face any challenger the promotion puts in front of him.

     

    As the strawweight division continues to evolve, Pacio remains the man every contender is chasing. His latest victory demonstrated not only his elite submission skills but also his ability to adapt against different styles, whether striking, wrestling, or grappling.

     

    With another title defense now secured and momentum firmly back on his side, Pacio has once again reminded the mixed martial arts world why he continues to sit atop ONE Championship’s strawweight division. Regardless of who emerges as the next challenger, the Filipino champion has sent a clear message: the road to the ONE Strawweight World Championship still runs through Joshua Pacio.

     

     

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  • Reigning strawweight champion Joshua Pacio looks to strengthen legacy against Mansur Malachiev

    Reigning strawweight champion Joshua Pacio looks to strengthen legacy against Mansur Malachiev

    Reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio saw his historic bid to become the first Filipino fighter to capture world titles in two divisions come to an end after falling short in his flyweight title challenge against Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

     

    Pacio moved up in weight for a major opportunity against one of ONE Championship’s most dangerous and explosive fighters, but Wakamatsu proved too much to handle in the flyweight division, stopping the Filipino challenger via second-round technical knockout to retain the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title.

     

    The Japanese champion’s relentless pressure, speed, and powerful striking combinations created problems for Pacio throughout the contest. Wakamatsu consistently pushed the pace and limited Pacio’s ability to establish his preferred striking rhythm, eventually forcing the referee to step in during the second round.

     

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    Despite the setback, Pacio showed the skill and resilience that have made him one of the Philippines’ most respected mixed martial artists. The Team Lakay standout came close to changing the momentum of the fight when he landed a crushing left hook that sent Wakamatsu to the canvas, briefly putting the champion in danger and proving that Pacio remained a threat at any moment.

     

    Although his pursuit of a second divisional title ended in defeat, Pacio’s status as one of ONE Championship’s elite fighters remains intact. The 30-year-old continues to hold the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship and remains focused on further cementing his legacy in the division where he has built a remarkable career.

     

    Pacio will now return to his natural weight class as he prepares 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 historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

    The upcoming fight marks the second meeting between Pacio and Malachiev. The two first faced each other at ONE Fight Night 15 in 2023, where Pacio handed the Dagestani fighter his first professional defeat and ended his unbeaten run at the time.

     

    Heading into their rematch, Pacio believes he has improved significantly since their first encounter, both physically and mentally, while acknowledging the threat posed by Malachiev’s elite grappling ability.

     

    “I believe I have grown a lot since our first night. Not just technically, but also mentally and spiritually. Malachiev is a very dangerous opponent, especially with his grappling, and I respect that. But I have worked hard to improve in all areas, my defense, my striking, my composure. I wouldn’t say I’m better in every single aspect, but I know I’m more complete and more prepared now. I’m excited to show that in this rematch,” Pacio said in a media interaction.

     

    The Filipino champion also highlighted his experience at the highest level of competition as one of his biggest advantages heading into the bout.

     

    “I think one of my biggest advantages is my experience at this level and my ability to adapt. I have been in many tough fights and different situations, and I have learned how to stay calm and make the right adjustments. I also believe in my striking and my ability to control the pace of the fight. But overall, it’s about being ready everywhere because I know he’s dangerous in his own way,” he added.

     

    For Pacio, every fight remains an opportunity to represent the Philippines and inspire fans back home. The Benguet native emphasized that success is not only measured by victories but also by growth, discipline, and delivering his best performance inside the cage.

     

    “Every fight is an opportunity to show growth and represent my team and my country. So it’s not just about dominance, it’s about performance, discipline, and showing the best version of myself,” Pacio concluded.

     

    While Pacio’s attempt to become a two-division world champion ended against Wakamatsu, his legacy as one of the greatest Filipino fighters in ONE Championship history continues to grow. With his focus now back on the strawweight division, the Filipino champion aims to defend his title, overcome another elite challenger, and further strengthen his place among the sport’s top competitors.

     

     

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  • Reigning strawweight champion Joshua Pacio aims to add to his legacy ahead of highly anticipated return

    Reigning strawweight champion Joshua Pacio aims to add to his legacy ahead of highly anticipated return

    Reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio saw his bid to become the first Filipino fighter to win titles in two divisions come to an end after suffering defeat in his flyweight world title challenge against Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

     

    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.

    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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  • Joshua Pacio returns to Bangkok to defend title against familiar rival Mansur Malachiev 

    Joshua Pacio returns to Bangkok to defend title against familiar rival Mansur Malachiev 

    For Joshua Pacio, Bangkok is less a new destination and more a familiar battleground where legacy and redemption continue to intersect.

     

    The Filipino MMA icon is set to headline The Inner Circle 21 on July 10 at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Thailand. 

     

    He will once again defend his position in the division against Russian contender Mansur Malachiev in a crucial title defense. 

     

    Pacio enters the bout as the most decorated champion in his weight class, carrying a 23-5 professional record that includes 14 victories under the Singapore-based promotion. 

     

    While his recent bid for the flyweight MMA crown ended in defeat against Yuya Wakamatsu, the former champion now returns to a division where he has long established control.

     

    His most recent title defense came in dramatic fashion during a trilogy clash with Jarred Brooks, where Pacio rallied to secure a second-round TKO victory at ONE 171—reinforcing his reputation for thriving in high-pressure moments.

     

    Standing across from him is a very familiar opponent. Pacio handed Malachiev the only loss of his career back in 2023, a detail that adds another layer of intensity to their rematch. 

     

    The Russian challenger enters with a 14-1 record and a three-fight winning streak, including a submission victory over Brooks at ONE Fight Night 36, signaling his evolution since their first meeting.

     

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    For Pacio, the challenge is not only about defending his status, but also proving that history can repeat itself when it matters most.

     

    The event also features the return of another Filipino veteran in Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, who continues his long-standing career resurgence attempt at 42 years old.

     

    Folayang will face Japan’s Shozo Isojima in a three-round lightweight bout, seeking to reverse a difficult run that has seen him drop six of his last seven MMA contests. 

     

    Despite the setbacks, the former multiple-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion remains determined to extend his career’s second wind.

     

    Isojima, meanwhile, enters the bout at 28 years old and will look to snap a two-fight skid of his own, setting up a crossroads matchup between experience and youth.

     

    With championship stakes and career momentum on the line, Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium once again becomes the stage for defining moments for Filipino MMA.

     

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  • Respect over rivalry: MMA star Lito Adiwang explains reluctance to face fellow Filipino Joshua Pacio 

    Respect over rivalry: MMA star Lito Adiwang explains reluctance to face fellow Filipino Joshua Pacio 

    Filipino MMA standout Lito Adiwang continues to strengthen his reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most explosive mixed martial arts prospects, powered by his relentless forward pressure, sharp striking arsenal, and a fan-friendly fighting style that has made him a consistent highlight-reel presence in ONE Championship.

     

    Known widely by his moniker “Thunder Kid,” Adiwang once again delivered a statement performance on the global stage after dismantling Indonesia’s multi-time national wrestling champion Eko Roni Saputra via first-round TKO in just 34 seconds during their bantamweight clash on Friday, May 15, at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

     

    The emphatic finish underscored Adiwang’s growing evolution as a dangerous finisher inside the cage, further cementing his status as one of the most electrifying strikers on the ONE Championship roster. Competing in the bantamweight division for this bout, the 33-year-old Filipino star showcased composure, precision, and killer instinct, ending the contest almost immediately and sending a strong message to the rest of the division.

     

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    Beyond the highlight-reel victory, Adiwang’s career trajectory remains a major talking point as he continues to explore a full-time return to the flyweight MMA division—where he believes his championship aspirations are most realistic. The Filipino contender has openly expressed confidence that a move back down in weight will position him for a deeper title run in ONE Championship’s highly competitive flyweight ranks.

    Following his latest win, Adiwang already has his sights set on potential future matchups, naming Chinese standout “Wolf Warrior” Hu Yong as his preferred next opponent.

     

    “I think for now the number one is Hu Yong,” Adiwang said in a media interaction.

     

    Adiwang’s decision to shift his focus back to flyweight also effectively cools long-standing fan discussions surrounding a potential all-Filipino showdown with reigning strawweight champion Joshua Pacio, a matchup that has generated significant interest due to their shared history.

     

    “Yeah, at least yeah, because in strawweight they keep calling, yeah, people want to see me fight Joshua, and that sucks. And now that I’m at flyweight, at least now there’s no more just like Filipino versus Filipino fights to happen, so yeah,” he added.

     

    Adiwang and Pacio were former teammates at the renowned Team Lakay camp, and both fighters have previously expressed mutual respect, with reports suggesting that they have been reluctant to entertain the idea of facing each other in competition.

     

    As Adiwang continues to rebuild momentum and refine his path toward a potential title opportunity, his latest victory serves as another reminder of his finishing ability and growing ambition within ONE Championship’s stacked roster.

     

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