MMA: Why Masunyane-Malachiev clash is 'intriguing' to Joshua Pacio
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MMA: Why Masunyane-Malachiev clash is 'intriguing' to Joshua Pacio
ABS-CBN News
Published Sep 30, 2024 05:13 PM PHT
Filipino MMA fighter Joshua Pacio. Handout/ONE Championship
Filipino MMA fighter Joshua Pacio. Handout/ONE ChampionshipMANILA -- Even as he focuses on his recovery and on unifying his title with interim champion Jarred Brooks, Filipino MMA star Joshua Pacio is still keeping watch over the rest of the strawweight division.
MANILA -- Even as he focuses on his recovery and on unifying his title with interim champion Jarred Brooks, Filipino MMA star Joshua Pacio is still keeping watch over the rest of the strawweight division.
In particular, he is interested in the upcoming showdown between No. 2 ranked Bokang Masunyane and No. 5 ranked Mansur Malachiev, who will face off at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on October 5 inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
In particular, he is interested in the upcoming showdown between No. 2 ranked Bokang Masunyane and No. 5 ranked Mansur Malachiev, who will face off at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on October 5 inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Given that Masunyane and Malachiev are two of the best wrestlers in the division, Pacio is keen on seeing who emerges triumphant.
Given that Masunyane and Malachiev are two of the best wrestlers in the division, Pacio is keen on seeing who emerges triumphant.
"It's an intriguing matchup. Both are wrestlers, but they bring different strengths to the table," he said.
"It's an intriguing matchup. Both are wrestlers, but they bring different strengths to the table," he said.
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The Filipino points out that Masunyane's striking cannot be overlooked, having once knocked known striker and former world title challenger Rene Catalan with a beautiful head kick, which he then celebrated by pulling off an effortless reverse moonsault to punctuate his win.
The Filipino points out that Masunyane's striking cannot be overlooked, having once knocked known striker and former world title challenger Rene Catalan with a beautiful head kick, which he then celebrated by pulling off an effortless reverse moonsault to punctuate his win.
"Bokang, despite his wrestling roots, is a versatile fighter. He can strike effectively on his feet and grapple extensively on the ground. But don't underestimate his athleticism — that's where he truly stands out," said Pacio.
"Bokang, despite his wrestling roots, is a versatile fighter. He can strike effectively on his feet and grapple extensively on the ground. But don't underestimate his athleticism — that's where he truly stands out," said Pacio.
After going three rounds with Malachiev last year, the Lions Nation MMA representative already knows what to expect from the Dagestani wrestler – relentless pressure.
After going three rounds with Malachiev last year, the Lions Nation MMA representative already knows what to expect from the Dagestani wrestler – relentless pressure.
Malachiev burst onto the scene with a first-round submission win over Filipino KO artist Jeremy Miado, with his wrestling and submission skills on full display.
Malachiev burst onto the scene with a first-round submission win over Filipino KO artist Jeremy Miado, with his wrestling and submission skills on full display.
Pacio had his hands full against the Russian, escaping with a close decision win. Now he knows that Malachiev only needs one opening against Bokang to take full control.
Pacio had his hands full against the Russian, escaping with a close decision win. Now he knows that Malachiev only needs one opening against Bokang to take full control.
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"Mansur, on the other hand, is a relentless wrestler. He dominates with takedowns and top control," Pacio said. "If you let him impose his will, it could be over quickly. His striking is also improving, so he's not someone to be taken lightly."
"Mansur, on the other hand, is a relentless wrestler. He dominates with takedowns and top control," Pacio said. "If you let him impose his will, it could be over quickly. His striking is also improving, so he's not someone to be taken lightly."
He opted not to pick a winner, only saying that he will be ready for either man if they ever cross paths in the future.
He opted not to pick a winner, only saying that he will be ready for either man if they ever cross paths in the future.
"Whoever comes out on top, I'm ready," said Pacio. "I'm a warrior, and I'll face either of them. Ideally, I want Jarred Brooks next once I get the green light to return, but whether it's Brooks or the winner of this fight, I'll be prepared."
"Whoever comes out on top, I'm ready," said Pacio. "I'm a warrior, and I'll face either of them. Ideally, I want Jarred Brooks next once I get the green light to return, but whether it's Brooks or the winner of this fight, I'll be prepared."
Pacio is still recovering from an ACL tear in his right knee, which he incurred ahead of his showdown against Brooks last March at ONE: Qatar
Pacio is still recovering from an ACL tear in his right knee, which he incurred ahead of his showdown against Brooks last March at ONE: Qatar
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