Camille Naredo

ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio of the Philippines. Handout/ONE Championship

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ONE Championship

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783316576113Joshua Pacio .jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua &quot;The Passion&quot; Pacio of the Philippines. Handout/ONE Championship"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua &quot;The Passion&quot; Pacio of the Philippines. <em>Handout/ONE Championship</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua &quot;The Passion&quot; Pacio is raring to add another chapter to his legacy when he faces Mansur Malachiev in a rematch at The Inner Circle 21.</p><p>Pacio and Malachiev will run it back on July 10 in Bangkok&#x27;s Lumpinee Stadium, with the Filipino star putting his title on the line against the Dagestani wrestling specialist.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/6/13/mma-joshua-pacio-returns-to-action-at-the-inner-circle-21-2051">READ: Joshua Pacio returns to action at The Inner Circle 21</a></div><p>They had first faced off at ONE Fight Night 15 in 2023, when Pacio shattered Malachiev&#x27;s unbeaten run by nullifying his submission threats en route to a unanimous decision victory.</p><p>Pacio is confident that he is even better equipped to handle Malachiev this time around.</p><p>&quot;I believe I&#x27;ve grown a lot since our first fight. Not just technically, but also mentally and spiritually. Malachiev is a very dangerous opponent, especially with his grappling, and I respect that. But I&#x27;ve worked hard to improve in all areas, my defense, my striking, my composure,&quot; he said.</p><p>&quot;I wouldn&#x27;t say I&#x27;m better in every single aspect, but I know I&#x27;m more complete and more prepared now. I&#x27;m excited to show that in this rematch,&quot; he added.</p><p>Despite having already defeated Malachiev, Pacio&#x27;s motivation remains sharp. The first bout was competitive, and the champion hopes for a more definitive showing this time. </p><p>More importantly, he views this as another opportunity to represent the Philippines on the global stage and bring pride to his nation.</p><p>&quot;Every fight is an opportunity to show growth and represent my team and my country. So it&#x27;s not just about dominance, it&#x27;s about performance, discipline, and showing the best version of myself,&quot; he said.</p><p>Pacio makes it clear, however, that he is not looking past his opponent. Malachiev has been flawless since their first meeting, rattling off three consecutive victories that include a resounding submission win over former ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Jarred &quot;The Monkey God&quot; Brooks.</p><p>&quot;I think one of my biggest advantages is my experience at this level and my ability to adapt. I&#x27;ve been in many tough fights and different situations, and I&#x27;ve learned how to stay calm and make the right adjustments,&quot; he shared.</p><p>&quot;I also believe in my striking and my ability to control the pace of the fight. But overall, it&#x27;s about being ready everywhere because I know he&#x27;s dangerous in his own way,&quot; he added.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>FROM 2023:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="960" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0r4tyeF9geI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio is raring to add another chapter to his legacy when he faces Mansur Malachiev in a rematch at The Inner Circle 21.</p>

ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio is raring to add another chapter to his legacy when he faces Mansur Malachiev in a rematch at The Inner Circle 21.

MMA: Joshua Pacio seeks legacy-defining performance at The Inner Circle 21

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MMA: Joshua Pacio seeks legacy-defining performance at The Inner Circle 21

ABS-CBN News

Published July 06, 2026 01:44 PM PHT

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