Promotional newcomer Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw of the famed Team Lakay is ready to make his ONE Championship debut. The 25-year-old is the latest member of the Baguio City-based martial arts faction to join the world’s largest martial arts organization.
Pacatiw is scheduled to face China’s “The Ghost” Chen Rui in a three-round bantamweight mixed martial arts contest at ONE: BATTLEGROUND, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore on Friday, 30 July.
“There’s a lot of pressure on me to perform, especially since it’s my first time in the Circle,” Pacatiw said.
“I just have to relax and stay focused for this fight and everything is going to be alright. It’s time to shine.”
Against Chen, Pacatiw takes on a ONE Championship veteran with a penchant for scoring highlight-reel finishes. Chen is the ONE Jakarta Bantamweight Tournament Champion, and like Pacatiw, is looking to make a statement.
“The Juggernaut” recognizes the legitimate threat Chen poses, and says the strategy he’s come up with in camp will be crucial in scoring a victory in his promotional debut.
“He’s a dangerous fighter. Everyone in this promotion is. But we prepared everything for this fight. Everything. I’m fully prepared to showcase all that we’ve worked on for this fight,” Pacatiw said.
“I’m not underestimating him one bit. I know he’s an explosive finisher with good experience. But we’re coming into this with a great game plan, as always. I can’t say how this will end. This is MMA and anything can happen. It could be a knockout or a submission. You’ll see on July 30th.”
ONE: BATTLEGROUND marks ONE Championship’s much-anticipated return in the second half of 2021. In the main event, Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao defends his ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title against young phenom Prajanchai PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym.
In the co-main event, former two-division ONE World Champion Aung La N Sang takes on Leandro Ataides in a pivotal middleweight clash.
Also featured on the card are highly regarded female atomweights Ritu Phogat and Victoria Lee, who will see action against separate opponents.
Pacatiw is for his first fight in ONE Championship, and says he had no double takes signing with the organization.
“Signing that contract with ONE Championship felt great. I just couldn’t describe how happy I am to be a part of the largest martial arts organization in the world. It’s truly an honor. At the same time, I’m looking forward to many incredible challenges in the future,” Pacatiw said.
“I like the way ONE Championship treats its athletes with respect. The organization promotes its vision of good human values, and that’s the reason why I never had second thoughts joining ONE. Honestly, it was my long time dream that just turned real.”