In a thrilling showdown between top-ranked strawweight contenders at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Joshua Pacio and Mansur Malachiev went head-to-head in an electrifying bout at ONE Fight Night 15 on Saturday, October 7.
With the winner potentially getting a date with Jarred Brooks for the ONE strawweight championship, Pacio managed to secure a close unanimous decision victory.
From the opening bell, it was clear that both men were determined to make a statement. Pacio faced stiff competition in the form of Malachiev, who aimed to leapfrog to a world title shot.
The Filipino showcased his impressive takedown defense, successfully thwarting Malachiev’s initial attempts to bring the action to the ground.
The proceeding intensified as the first frame progressed. Malachiev drew first blood by executing a hard-earned takedown, forcing Pacio to work from his back.
However, “The Passion” exhibited his resilience by ending the round with a threatening guillotine choke, hinting at his underrated submission game.
The second stanza saw the two exchange heavy blows. Pacio opened the round with crisp leg kicks, but Malachiev responded with his own striking prowess, managing to rock Pacio courtesy of a spinning backfist.
As the match transitioned to the ground, Pacio briefly secured the top position, only for Malachiev to execute a sweep to regain control.
Malachiev unleashed a relentless top-heavy offense, attempting to dominate Pacio on the mat. But the Lions Nation MMA representative’s guard proved to be a formidable defense, preventing the Russian from making significant advances.
Despite the tough position, Pacio sported a huge smile, demonstrating his composure under pressure.
The third and final round opened with Malachiev attempting another takedown, but Pacio had an answer with a deep guillotine choke.
Malachiev displayed toughness as he popped his head out of the submission hold, and the strawweights continued their battle for control.
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Referee Olivier Coste momentarily separated Pacio and Malachiev, demanding more action near the midway point of the frame.
In the waning moments of the encounter, Malachiev attempted one final takedown, but Pacio defended it brilliantly, creating an opening for devastating knee strikes.
However, Malachiev managed to put Pacio on his back once more. Undeterred, Pacio latched onto a guillotine choke, holding on until the final bell rang.
Ultimately, the judges rendered a razor-thin unanimous decision in favor of Pacio, a testament to his activity from start to finish.
The victory over Malachiev improved Pacio’s professional record to 21-4. It also moved the former division kingpin one step closer to a potential rematch with Brooks for the coveted strawweight title that he relinquished in December 2022.
Meanwhile, Malachiev sustained his first career defeat, downgrading to an 11-1 slate.
