Joshua Pacio, in his early 20s, has already achieved a great deal as a mixed martial artist. However, one legendary figure in the sport believes that the Filipino phenom still has untapped potential.
Cris “Cyborg” Justino spoke highly of the 27-year-old fighter from Baguio City after he and Eduard Folayang visited her gym in Huntington Beach, California.
“He’s young, and his future in the sport is still very bright. He will definitely improve and get better,” Justino said of Pacio in an interview with Tiebreaker Times.
Pacio currently boasts a professional record of 20-4 with an 85-percent finishing rate, including nine knockout victories and eight submission wins.
Furthermore, he has held the ONE strawweight championship twice and competed in a record-breaking eight world title contests in the division, successfully defending his title three times.
“The Passion” may have already made his mark in MMA history, but according to Justino, this is just the beginning.
“There’s still a lot more to come for him. I believe he will continue to improve as he learns every day,” she stated.
The reigning Bellator women’s featherweight champion is also convinced that Pacio has the right mentor in Eduard Folayang to guide him in his professional career.
“It’s also a bonus that he’s in good company with Eduard. Eduard has a wealth of experience. Together, they will continue to push each other to greater heights,” she shared.
Pacio and Folayang have been in the United States since April, spending the first month of their trip at the renowned Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
(C) Eduard Folayang
They have chosen to spend the remainder of their training in California, primarily at the Anaheim chapter of Kings MMA under the guidance of No. 4-ranked UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush.
In March, Pacio, Folayang, Kevin Belingon, and Honorio Banario made headlines when they left Team Lakay. All four fighters mentioned the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones in their public statements.
While they have faced criticism for their departure from the famous La Trinidad, Benguet-based stable, “Cyborg” offers a different perspective.
“I believe it’s crucial to step out of your comfort zone and train with different people who can challenge you to improve your game,” she explained.
“They will undoubtedly learn a lot outside of their comfort zone, and it takes a lot of courage to do this because new challenges await.”
Pacio and Folayang are coming off losses from their December 2022 campaigns. Pacio lost the ONE strawweight belt to Jarred Brooks, while Folayang suffered his fifth consecutive defeat in MMA against Edson Marques.
“Cyborg” is confident that Pacio and Folayang will soon turn things around.
(C) Nissi Icasiano
“You have already seen it. They have stepped out of their comfort zones and come to a new place to enhance their skills and learn. They will undoubtedly grow and improve their game,” she concluded.
