As Joshua Pacio continues to recuperate from a torn ACL, the lineal ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion’s former teammate is eager to seize the opportunity and enter the title picture.
Lito Adiwang has thrown his name into the mix, calling for a shot at the division’s interim crown, currently held by Jarred Brooks.
“Everybody knows that I’ve been putting in the work for quite some time. I truly feel the time is ripe for me to compete for gold,” he told Tiebreaker Times.
“Thunder Kid” has been on a hot streak lately, securing three consecutive victories in electrifying fashion.
This resurgence comes after Adiwang faced his own ACL injury, an ordeal that sidelined him for 18 months.
Having experienced the challenges of recovery firsthand, Adiwang empathizes with Pacio’s situation.
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“I know what Joshua is going through. I’ve been there, and it is no joke,” he said.
“I can really say that it’s one of the toughest moments in my life, not just in my career.”
While Adiwang advocates for Pacio to prioritize his health, he also believes that their weight class cannot afford to be stagnant.
“I respect Joshua immensely and wish him the best. Joshua can take all the time he needs to come back better than ever. But realistically speaking, the division has to remain active,” he stated.
“If the division has to move on, then I want to be the one to step up and challenge Brooks for the interim title.”
Adiwang has had his eyes on Brooks for some time now. Both men shared the Circle in November 2021, with “The Monkey God” emerging triumphant by way of a second-round submission.
Since then, the Filipino hard-hitter has been driven by the desire to avenge the defeat and claim his place among the elite.
“He’s a tough opponent, no doubt about it, but I’ve grown a lot since our last encounter. I’m pretty sure he’s going to face a much different ‘Thunder Kid’ in the rematch,” Adiwang declared.
Despite his momentum, Adiwang is not currently ranked in the bracket’s Top Five. However, he feels his recent performances have proven that he is a worthy contender for Brooks and the interim championship.
“Look at what I’ve done in my last three fights; it speaks for itself. I think I’ve earned the right to be considered for a title shot. If the opportunity arises, I’ll be ready,” he concluded.
