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MMA: Joshua Pacio ready for all-Filipino title match vs Rene Catalan

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/sports/11/06/20191107-mma.jpg"/><figcaption>Joshua Pacio during his fight against Japan&#x27;s Yosuke Saruta. Hand out photo</figcaption></figure></div>It is a Filipino fighter versus a Filipino fighter for the strawweight crown in the main event of ONE: Masters of Fate on Friday.Joshua Pacio will defend his title against a highly motivated Rene Catalan in front of hometown fans at Mall of Asia Arena.“It’s rare that a Filipino will fight another Filipino for a world title, but I’m glad to be part of history,” Pacio said on Tuesday.The 23-year-old wants to extend his reign after reclaiming the crown in a rematch with former Shooto champion Yosuke Saruta.“Rene Catalan is a worthy challenger. He’s riding a six-bout winning streak and is full of confidence. I am expecting only the best from him,” Pacio said.In the co-main event, Eduard “Landslide” Folayang is set to take on MGL-1 FC lightweight titlist Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu of Mongolia.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/10/07/19/one-pacio-to-defend-strawweight-title-vs-catalan-in-manila">READ: Pacio to defend strawweight title vs. Catalan in Manila</a></li></ul>The veteran member of Team Lakay will have to deal with Tsogookhuu’s power, as the Mongolian boasts of a solid knockout ratio featuring three stoppages out of five victories.“I’m facing a hungry opponent from Mongolia who will be looking to beat a big name. I’ve been in this situation before and I know what I need to do,” Folayang said.Former ONE flyweight world champion Geje Eustaquio of the Philippines and CWFC bantamweight world champion Toni Tauru of Finland will run it back in a highly anticipated rematch.<div>(For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.)</div>

In the co-main event, Eduard "Landslide" Folayang is set to take on lightweight champion Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu of Mongolia at MoA Arena on Friday.

In the co-main event, Eduard "Landslide" Folayang is set to take on lightweight champion Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu of Mongolia at MoA Arena on Friday.