Undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio of the Philippines is grateful for his past setbacks. According to ‘The Passion’, he has learned much more about himself in defeat than in victory.
Known as ONE Championship’s “Rematch King,” Pacio reflected on some of the most intense rivalries he has had throughout his dominant reign in the 125-pound MMA division. The Filipino cited his early rivalry with Yoshitaka Naito and his most recent battles with Jarred Brooks as key catalysts for his growth as a martial artist.
In an interview with the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Pacio shared:
“Because of them, I’ve been a champion. [I saw] my weaknesses and I improved them. So it’s like they’re my teachers, and they show me my weaknesses. I need to improve this, I need to improve this. Then I’ll fight them again. Then I’ll prove to them that I improved my weaknesses. And sometimes I use their strength to defeat them.”
Pacio has had multiple reigns as the strawweight MMA kingpin. Despite losing his belt a few times, he has always managed to claw back and recapture the title. This resilience will be crucial as he aims to conquer a second division. He will move up in weight to challenge Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title on November 16 at ONE 173, held at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
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### Joshua Pacio Wary of Yuya Wakamatsu’s Knockout Power
Pacio knows that a single lapse could cost him dearly against a certified knockout artist like Yuya Wakamatsu. Nicknamed ‘Little Piranha,’ Wakamatsu showcased his ferocious finishing ability in March when he blasted Adriano Moraes in just one round to claim the title.
In the same SCMP interview, ‘The Passion’ expressed his admiration for the Japanese champion:
“Knockout power. He has that knockout power, you know. And of course, I saw also how he improved his wrestling and grappling, and he learned from his mistakes. But I can see his career is like my career because, you know, we learn from our mistakes.”
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-they-show-weaknesses-joshua-pacio-grateful-former-conquerors-jarred-brooks-yoshitaka-naito