ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is a few days away from defending his strap for the first time in his second run as a World Champion.
Pacio battles fellow wushu expert Rene “The Challenger” Catalan in an all-Filipino main event at ONE: MASTERS OF FATE this Friday, 8 November at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
“I’m really excited for this match. This is such a big match and I’m really focused on giving it my all. Now I’m in recovery and just studying the execution of our game plan,” Pacio said.
“We’re looking to have all bases covered. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Rene but I’m ready to counter whatever he shows on Friday.”
“Wushu is our bread and butter, and he’s more experienced in wushu. But this is MMA, and I’m going to put everything in it – striking, takedowns, and grappling.”
Catalan – one of the most decorated martial artists in the Philippines – started competing in junior competitions at the age of six.
He is also on a six-match winning streak, making him a serious threat to Pacio’s throne.
But Pacio believes now is his time.
“In this match, we looked at a lot of things like on how I am going to set up my power punches, my takedowns, and how to be well-rounded this Friday,” Pacio said.
“But the biggest factor is, I now it’s my time now. This is the ‘Passion Era’ – that’s why I’m confident that I’ll get the win and defend my belt.”
While a lot expect the prodigious 23-year-old to come in with his trademark explosiveness and pinpoint striking from different angles, fans are up for a surprise on Friday night.
As to what that surprise will be, Pacio is keeping it a secret until match night.
“I will maximize every opportunity that I see this Friday. I’ve felt how it is to lose my title and I have no plans of going through that again,” Pacio said.
“Explosiveness will always be a part of my game, but you can count on a different Joshua Pacio this night.”
“I have a big surprise this Friday.”
ONE Championship returns to Manila for one last time this year with ONE: MASTERS OF FATE this Friday, 8 November at the Mall Of Asia Arena.
The preliminary card begins on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the ONE Super App at 5:30pm Philippine Standard Time (PHT).