Filipino mixed martial arts star Joshua Pacio. Handout/ONE Championship

MANILA -- ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio had a totally different vision for how his 2024 was going to unfold. 

He had already mapped out his "whats" and devised the "hows" for what he envisioned as a massive year for the Filipino star. 

Little did he know that his year would be riddled with the question, "Why?" 

"I was asking [the Lord] questions. I asked Him why," Pacio recalled, referring to his long-awaited rematch against American rival Jarred Brooks, which ended in disaster after "The Monkey God" was disqualified for slamming the Filipino on his head.

"In that fight, I felt like I was in my best shape. That was my best training camp, hands down. I hired a nutritionist, I had quality recovery," he added. "I was so confident at that time. Even when I started walking out to that cage, I was light on my feet. I was really confident, but that's what happened." 

READ: Joshua Pacio reclaims ONE title as Jarred Brooks disqualified

The map for the 28-year-old had been clear and simple. 

First, reclaim the belt from Brooks. Then, take on his challengers. Finally, improve outside of the cage by working on his jiu-jitsu and participating in various grappling tournaments. 

But it wasn't really that slam that kept him on the sidelines; it was a recurring ACL tear that he aggravated during the fight. 

So instead of staying active as planned, his movement was limited to therapy and muscle strengthening – just working on his knees step-by-step, both literally and figuratively, until he finally received full clearance early this December – a full eight months since that fateful night. 

"You know, when I started the year, I envisioned it to be an active year both in ONE and outside of it. Beat Brooks, defend my title, and join jiu-jitsu competitions in both gi and no-gi," he said. 

"That's what I truly wanted. I wanted to improve my jiu-jitsu, but I couldn't do it. There were a lot of things I missed out on because of the injury." 

At the very least, he achieved one of his goals for the year – reclaiming the belt from Brooks. 

Pacio shared how the method of winning it was the last thing on his mind, but he'll always be proud of calling himself a ONE World Champion again, regardless of what happened. 

Luckily for him, he'll have the chance to prove his stature when he returns to the very place he re-injured his knee, against the very man he faced, Brooks, at ONE 171: Qatar on February 20 in Lusail Sports Arena. 

READ: How Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks reconciled following horrid ONE 166 finish

READ: Pacio-Brooks III to co-headline ONE 171: Qatar

Action between Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks at ONE 166: Qatar. Handout/ONE Championship

"I don't really listen to what people say about whether I'm the true champion or not. But in each sport, there are rules we follow. Without them, there'd be chaos," he said. 

"Unfortunately, it ended that way. It's not the finish I wanted, not how I wanted to get the belt, but we have to follow the rules. Now it's the time to prove it." 

Perhaps the 26-pound gold belt hanging somewhere in his room in the cold and breezy mountains of Baguio City was the glistening answer to his "why?" 

And while he didn't get to finish his other plans, he already achieved his main goal – regardless of what others might say. As he continued to heal physically, Pacio was also growing spiritually, coming out of this debacle with his faith stronger than ever. 

He may not be actively competing now, but the time off gave him an opportunity to focus more on his duties as a Christian, serving in his church, and becoming closer than ever to the Lord. 

A quick glance at Pacio's social media pages shows a man unafraid to profess his faith, using his platform as he patiently waits for his comeback. 

"Me winning that belt – I look at it as still God giving me what I wanted, but not how I wanted it," he said. 

"You know, the worst thing that can happen to an athlete is injuries. But at the end of the day, I still thank God for the healing. I'm 100 percent back. I've recovered well, I'm back to training, and that's all I ask for." 

These are the lessons he's bringing into his fight with Brooks. Many people are branding him as an underdog, and for good reason. 

But his confidence comes from his faith in the Lord and his belief in hard work. 

As someone who planned so much for 2024, Pacio now embraces a new perspective – whatever happens will happen. 

"The lesson is that the Lord is still in control. I had to pause for a bit, but He reminded me that He's always got me," he said. 

"That's why I'm confident in this fight. As long as I train hard and do my part, His will will be done." 

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