Camille Naredo

Filipino MMA star Joshua Pacio. Handout/ONE Championship

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ONE Championship

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755854348536BN-04268.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Filipino MMA star Joshua Pacio. Handout/ONE Championship"/>Filipino MMA star Joshua Pacio. Handout/ONE Championship</div>MANILA -- Filipino MMA star Joshua Pacio does not need additional motivation in his quest to become a two-division champion.&quot;The Passion,&quot; who holds the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title, will challenge ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya &quot;Little Piranha&quot; Wakamatsu in a champion-versus-champion clash on November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.If he is successful in the match that takes place at the ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri fight card, Pacio will become the Philippines&#x27; first two-division MMA World Champion in ONE Championship.The prospect of making history is already enough to fuel the 29-year-old. That he can do so in Japan makes the opportunity all the more special for Pacio.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/7/21/mma-pacio-to-go-up-in-weight-challenge-wakamatsu-for-one-flyweight-crown-1740">READ: Pacio to go up in weight, challenge Wakamatsu for ONE flyweight crown</a></div>&quot;It&#x27;s truly an honor to finally compete in Japan. As a martial artist, this country holds a special place in our hearts because of its deep connection to the sport and its rich fighting heritage. To perform in front of passionate fans on such a big stage is a dream come true,&quot; he said.The Lions Nation MMA standout enters this bout riding momentum from his trilogy victory over Jarred Brooks. At ONE 171: Qatar in February, Pacio delivered a devastating ground-and-pound finish to unify the Strawweight MMA World Titles.But he understands that moving up in weight to challenge a champion in his home court presents a new test altogether.&quot;This fight is another chapter in my journey as a martial artist. It&#x27;s not a comeback — it&#x27;s a new challenge that I&#x27;ve embraced to grow and evolve. I&#x27;ve always believed in continuous improvement, and this is another chance to push my limits and pursue greatness,&quot; said Pacio.Despite competing in hostile territory, Pacio remains confident in his preparation and support system.&quot;To all my supporters, thank you for always standing by me. Your prayers and encouragement fuel my drive. I know fighting in Yuya&#x27;s home country might add some pressure, but as Filipinos, we are resilient and dedicated. I&#x27;ll step into that ring with courage and faith, carrying our flag and your support with me every step of the way,&quot; he said.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/8/18/his-heart-is-unmatched-folayang-confident-of-pacio-s-chances-at-one-173-1337">READ: Folayang confident of Pacio&#x27;s chances at ONE 173</a></div>Wakamatsu, for his part, is set to make his first defense of the title that he won at ONE 172 back in March, when he stunned Brazilian legend Adriano Moraes in the very first round.&quot;&quot;This belt is something I fought for with everything I have—it&#x27;s the result of my life&#x27;s dedication. I won&#x27;t give it up easily. By defending it, I want to prove my worth as a true champion. I&#x27;m going into this with everything I&#x27;ve got,&quot; he said.&quot;As a ONE Championship world champion, I&#x27;ll make sure to get the win in front of the Japanese fans,&quot; he added.&quot;Little Piranha&quot; also relishes the opportunity to compete before his home crowd and reward their loyalty with another memorable performance.&quot;I&#x27;m truly happy to be fighting in Japan again. It&#x27;s something special to be able to showcase my fight in front of my family and the fans who&#x27;ve always supported me. I&#x27;ll step into the ring with the pride and responsibility of representing Japan,&quot; he promised.

Filipino MMA star Joshua Pacio does not need additional motivation in his quest to become a two-division champion.

Filipino MMA star Joshua Pacio does not need additional motivation in his quest to become a two-division champion.

MMA: Pacio relishes chance to make history in Japan -- 'Truly an honor'

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MMA: Pacio relishes chance to make history in Japan -- 'Truly an honor'

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 23, 2025 07:30 AM PHT

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abssports

mixed martial arts

MMA

ONE Championship

ONE 173

Joshua Pacio

Yuya Wakamatsu

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