Joshua Pacio’s journey from a small town in the Philippines to becoming the ONE Strawweight World Champion is a story of perseverance, dedication, and passion
His early exposure to martial arts, coupled with his strong work ethic and mental toughness, has allowed him to achieve success in one of the most demanding sports in the world.
As he continues to defend his title and further solidify his legacy, Pacio serves as an inspiration to aspiring martial artists and athletes around the world.
His story is a reminder that with hard work and determination, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.
Joshua Pacio’s reign as the ONE Strawweight World Champion is far from over, and fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this exceptional athlete.
Whether it’s defending his title or taking on new challenges, one thing is certain: Joshua Pacio is a champion who will continue to make his mark on the world of MMA.
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Table of Contents
Joshua Pacio: Bio
The Journey of a ONE Championship Strawweight World Champion
Joshua Felix Pacio, born on January 10, 1996, is a Filipino mixed martial artist (MMA) who has made a significant mark in the global MMA scene.1
Competing in the Strawweight division of ONE Championship, Pacio is widely known for his fierce determination and exceptional fighting skills.
He currently holds the prestigious title of ONE Strawweight World Champion, a testament to his hard work and dedication in the sport.
Throughout his career, Pacio has consistently risen through the ranks, earning accolades and respect in the world of MMA. In April 2016, he was ranked as the #8 Strawweight in the world by Fight Matrix, a significant achievement for such a young fighter.
By December 2022, Pacio was ranked as the #23 Flyweight globally, further solidifying his position among the elite fighters in his division.
Hey Guys!😊 The Passion here🙏🏻 just joined Twitter ☝🏻lets follow each other😁
— Joshua Pacio (@joshua_pacio) November 27, 2018
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in La Trinidad, Benguet, Joshua Pacio’s journey to MMA greatness began in humble circumstances.
Growing up in a small town in the Philippines, Pacio faced numerous challenges early on in life. His father had to work overseas to support the family, which meant that Joshua had to develop a sense of independence at a very young age.
This experience helped shape his resilient character, which would later serve him well in the demanding world of MMA.
Joshua Pacio’s journey into martial arts began when he was just 11 years old. His first exposure was to kickboxing, a discipline that sparked his passion for combat sports.
This early introduction provided him with a solid foundation in striking, which would become a key aspect of his fighting style.
At the age of 13, Pacio transitioned to Wushu, a Chinese martial art known for its emphasis on speed, agility, and technique. Wushu played a crucial role in shaping Pacio’s unique fighting style, combining fluid striking with a deep understanding of movement and balance.
His training in Wushu not only honed his physical abilities but also instilled in him a sense of discipline and focus, which are essential traits for any successful martial artist.
Joshua Pacio: Career
Rise in ONE Championship
Joshua Pacio’s entry into the world of professional MMA came when he joined ONE Championship, Asia’s largest MMA organization.2
Competing in the Strawweight division, Pacio quickly gained attention for his impressive performances and well-rounded skill set.
His striking abilities, bolstered by his background in kickboxing and Wushu, made him a formidable opponent in the cage.
Pacio’s rise in ONE Championship was meteoric. With each fight, he showcased his versatility, blending striking, grappling, and submission techniques to overwhelm his opponents. His dedication to improving his craft was evident, and it wasn’t long before he earned his shot at the ONE Strawweight World Championship.
Winning the ONE Strawweight World Title
Joshua Pacio’s crowning achievement came when he captured the ONE Strawweight World Championship. This victory was a defining moment in his career, marking him as one of the top fighters in his division.
Pacio’s relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with his ability to adapt to different fighting styles, has allowed him to maintain his position at the top of the division.
As a champion, Pacio has successfully defended his title on multiple occasions, proving that he is not just a one-time titleholder but a dominant force in the division. His reign as the ONE Strawweight World Champion has earned him a loyal fan base and the admiration of his peers in the MMA community.
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Joshua Pacio: Fighting Style and Strengths
Joshua Pacio’s fighting style is a blend of striking and grappling, making him a well-rounded competitor.
His background in kickboxing and Wushu gives him an edge in striking, with his kicks and punches delivered with precision and power.
Pacio is known for his ability to control the distance in fights, using his footwork to avoid strikes while setting up his own offensive attacks.
In addition to his striking skills, Pacio has also developed a strong grappling game. His submission skills have been a key component of his success, allowing him to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground. This versatility makes him a dangerous opponent, as he can adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of any fighter he faces.
Mental Toughness and Discipline
- One of the key factors behind Joshua Pacio’s success is his mental toughness. In the world of MMA, physical skills alone are not enough to succeed at the highest level.
- Fighters must possess the mental fortitude to push through adversity, whether it’s during training, preparation, or in the midst of a tough fight.
- Pacio’s early life experiences, including his father’s absence due to work and the need to take on responsibilities at a young age, have contributed to his mental resilience.
- This resilience is evident in his ability to remain composed under pressure, whether he is defending his title or facing a tough opponent in the cage.
- As of 2024, Joshua Pacio remains a dominant force in the ONE Strawweight division. His future in MMA looks incredibly promising, with many fans and analysts predicting that he will continue to reign as one of the top fighters in the division for years to come.
- Pacio has expressed his desire to continue evolving as a fighter, constantly working on improving his skills and expanding his repertoire of techniques.
- Pacio trains out of the renowned Team Lakay, based in the mountainous region of Baguio, Philippines. Team Lakay is known for producing world-class fighters, and Pacio is one of its standout members.
- Under the guidance of head coach Mark Sangiao, Pacio has developed into a complete fighter, capable of handling any challenge that comes his way.
- The training environment at Team Lakay emphasizes hard work, discipline, and continuous improvement.
- Pacio’s success is a testament to the effectiveness of this training approach, and he remains committed to representing his team and country on the global stage.
Joshua Pacio: Awards and Accomplishments
Joshua Pacio has become one of the most decorated and skilled fighters in the ONE Championship, particularly in the Strawweight division.
His accomplishments, championship reigns, and fighting record have cemented his status as one of the top mixed martial artists in the world.
This article takes an in-depth look at his career, titles, achievements, and the key factors that have defined his journey in the world of combat sports.
ONE Strawweight World Champion: Three-Time Titleholder
Joshua Pacio’s career is defined by his multiple reigns as the ONE Strawweight World Champion. He first captured the belt on September 22, 2018, in a victory over Yoshitaka Naito at ONE: Conquest of Heroes.
In this fight, Pacio demonstrated his well-rounded skill set, controlling the fight with his striking and takedown defense. The victory was especially significant as Naito had previously defeated him in 2016. Pacio’s growth as a fighter was on full display in this rematch.
Pacio’s first title reign was short-lived, as he lost the championship to Yosuke Saruta in January 2019 at ONE: Eternal Glory. The split decision was controversial, as many believed Pacio had done enough to retain the belt.
However, the two would meet again in a rematch just a few months later at ONE: Roots of Honor in April 2019. Pacio avenged his loss by knocking out Saruta in the fourth round with a perfectly timed head kick, reclaiming the Strawweight World Championship in the process.
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Championship Defenses and Notable Fights
During his second reign as ONE Strawweight World Champion, Pacio faced several top contenders in the division, each of whom brought unique challenges. His ability to adjust to different styles and implement effective game plans was key to his success in these bouts.
One of his most notable title defenses came against Rene Catalan in November 2019 at ONE: Masters of Fate.
Catalan, an experienced fighter and fellow Filipino, was on an impressive win streak going into the fight.
Pacio, however, dominated the bout and finished Catalan in the second round via arm-triangle choke. This victory demonstrated Pacio’s grappling prowess, as he submitted a fighter known primarily for his striking.
Pacio’s Mixed Martial Arts Record
As of his most recent fight, Joshua Pacio’s professional MMA record stands at 22 wins and 4 losses. His record is impressive not only because of the number of wins but also due to the manner in which he has secured them.
Out of his 22 victories, 8 have come by knockout, 8 by submission, and 5 by decision. Additionally, he has one win by disqualification.
Pacio’s versatility as a fighter is evident in the balance between knockouts and submissions in his record. His ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the Strawweight division. He has consistently improved his skill set, adding more tools to his arsenal with each fight.
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