Pacio to resume quest for ONE glory with win over Suzuki

MANILA, Philippines — A win this August could propel Team Lakay’s prospect Joshua Pacio back into contender status in ONE Championship’s strawweight division.

But that the least among the Baguio City native’s concerns.

“I am willing to wait for the right time. Timing is everything. Every moment has its own purpose,” he said. “I don't race to be in line for that belt, but I'm racing to perfection in this sport.”

Pacio, who almost took down the reigning kingpin of his weight class Yoshitaka Naito in Myanmar late 2016, moved closer to arranging a rematch after convincingly beating former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke last March.

The youngster from the famed fight stable noted that the October setback was part of a grander picture—a learning process he believes is essential to his career.

“It’s not a defeat. I viewed as an important lesson. It also served as an inspiration to push myself to the limit. It is an eye-opening experience. Here I am standing in front of you as a matured competitor inside the cage,” Pacio noted.

“Every martial artist should have the sense of growth. This sport is constantly evolving, and every fighter should adapt to changes and improve their overall MMA game. It’s either you adapt or you fail. I learned my lesson, and I chose to adapt for the better,” he continued shared.

Pacio can put his renewed sense of purpose when he gets into the ONE cage with another Japanese in Hayato Suzuki in the undercard of “Kings & Conquerors” card set in Macau this August 5.

“It’s going to be an action-packed fight. I can’t be complacent. Moreover, I have to be two steps or three steps ahead of him,” Pacio said of his upcoming assignment.

Suzuki flaunts a 16-0-2 career record, but is a newcomer in the promotion. He prides himself with his heavy strikes and grappling skills.  Six of his career’s foes, he defeated by way of knockout, while five bowed through submission.

“I don’t fear that my opponent has the ability to take my spot in the rankings. I am consistently improving. The goal is to win and improve,” he noted.

As I grind at the gym every single day, I know that the belt will be mine soon. Hard work cannot be denied forever,” Pacio closed.