Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
Photo by ONEFC.com

Mixed Martial Arts

Joshua Pacio believes he has yet to reach his peak


At just 24 years young, Joshua Pacio has already defeated every former ONE Strawweight World Champion there is. 

Back in 2017, the wide-eyed kid from Baguio City eked out a split decision win over inaugural champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke. A year later, Pacio would dethrone Yoshitaka Naito via a dominant decision.

ONE-Conquest-of-Heroes-Joshua-Pacio-def-Naito-1 Joshua Pacio believes he has yet to reach his peak Mixed Martial Arts News ONE Championship  - philippine sports news

Though he would falter in his first title defense early 2019 in a highly-controversial match, Pacio proved that it was a fluke three months later, finishing Yosuke Saruta.

Then last Friday, in the main event of ONE: Fire and Fury, he checked off the final champion he had yet to defeat — Alex Silva.

The result might say that it was a split decision win for the Team Lakay standout, but the performance itself says otherwise.

Just ask Silva.

“Oh yeah, he is one of the toughest guys I have fought. This is the third time I went to five rounds and he is still striking. When I took him down, I have to keep him down with my hands,” recalled the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu whiz, who is 37 years old.

“He is definitely a tough kid and deserves to be on top of the division.”

For five rounds, Pacio — a dangerous striker in every sense of the word — decided enter Silva’s world: the ground. The champion gladly figured in scrambles with the BJJ black belt and even went for submissions attempts.

ONE-Fire-and-Fury-Joshua-Pacio-def-Alex-Silva-ground Joshua Pacio believes he has yet to reach his peak Mixed Martial Arts News ONE Championship  - philippine sports news

“All his attempts, Joshua managed to escape. We can see a lot of improvement in the ground game of Joshua. He even attempted a footlock early in the first round,” shared a proud Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.

#ReadMore  Terso makes sure history does not repeat itself for Davao Occidental

Even when he was on his back, Pacio held the advantage over Silva, always keeping his opponent on his guard.

Still, young buck admits that he tensed every time Silva tried to switch. But his preparation kept him calm,  since Sangiao and the rest of Team Lakay showed him every possible scenario against Silva.

“Grabe. Kinakabahan ako sa transitions niya pero lahat ng nangyari na scenario, ginawa namin sa training.

“‘Di ako nag-panic at nag-hesitate. I trust my training, my coaches, and my team, at ito ‘yung epekto,” he shared.

After the match, there was no doubt who the victor was. And with it, Pacio has staked his claim as one of the most dominant strawweight fighters to ever grace ONE Championship.

ONE-Fire-and-Fury-Joshua-Pacio-retains Joshua Pacio believes he has yet to reach his peak Mixed Martial Arts News ONE Championship  - philippine sports news

Yes, at just 24 years young.

“The results speak, yes. This is a champion,” beamed Sangiao.

For Pacio, though, he has yet to reach his peak, asserting that his best years are still ahead of him.

“Naka-focus ako ngayon kung paano ko pa pale-level up ‘yung skills ko. Rematch man o sino pa ‘yung next, gusto ko ibang Joshua Pacio ‘yung makita nila.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Mixed Martial Arts

Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship, managing to bury the hatchet following the controversial finish of their rematch at...

Mixed Martial Arts

Joshua Pacio is in stable condition after suffering a head spike and losing consciousness on Friday evening during his rematch against Jarred Brooks at...

Mixed Martial Arts

Joshua Pacio has reclaimed the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship, by way of disqualification, in his rematch against Jarred Brooks at ONE 166: Qatar...

Mixed Martial Arts

Lions Nation MMA is gearing up for a pivotal juncture that will determine the trajectory of this startup stable. Joshua Pacio — one of...

Mixed Martial Arts

Redemption arcs are the most compelling tales in mixed martial arts, and Joshua Pacio knows that all too well. This is what the Filipino...

Mixed Martial Arts

Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang started the year on a high note, making a significant statement with a resounding first-round victory at ONE Friday Fights...

Mixed Martial Arts

Team Lakay looks to kick off its 2024 campaign on the global stage with Filipino prospect Carlo Bumina-ang leading the charge. The 29-year-old Baguio...

Mixed Martial Arts

The Team Lakay exodus continued into the new year. Nine days into 2024, Stephen Loman, the no. 2-ranked bantamweight in ONE Championship, has announced...

Advertisement