Joshua Pacio eyes history as the first Filipino two-division champion in ONE Championship

Reigning ONE Strawweight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) World Champion Joshua Pacio is aiming to make history by becoming the first Filipino fighter to become a two-division world champion in ONE Championship.

Pacio’s quest for greatness pits him against one of the most dangerous fighters in the promotion: Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu, the reigning flyweight champion. Wakamatsu captured the title with a first-round victory over Adriano Moraes at ONE 172.

The Benguet native acknowledges the difficult challenge ahead—especially since Wakamatsu will have the home-crowd advantage at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

“Yuya is not the king of the flyweight division for nothing. He is at the top because he earned it—he’s the best right now. I’ve seen how dangerous he is, especially with his power and speed, and I respect what he brings to the table. I know I’m facing a tough challenge, but I’m ready to give my best and represent the Philippines with pride,” Pacio said at a press conference.

Wakamatsu enters the bout riding a four-fight winning streak, but Pacio remains confident he can come out on top and make history.

CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION 🏆 Strawweight MMA king Joshua Pacio moves up to challenge ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya Wakamatsu on November 16 at ONE 173 in Tokyo! Can “The Passion” become a two-division king in enemy territory? 🇯🇵#ONE173 | Nov 16
Get your tickets now 👉 Link… pic.twitter.com/ce0QCILI9N

— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) July 22, 2025

“I expect this to be a fast-paced and strategic bout. We’re both intelligent fighters who know how to adapt, so I believe this match will be both exciting and high-level. I’m looking forward to testing myself and putting on a great show for the fans,” he added.

Wakamatsu, for his part, expressed respect for the Filipino star, but made it clear he intends to retain his title.

“Joshua Pacio is a current world champion and a dangerous fighter with well-rounded skills. But I believe that if I stick to my game plan, I will definitely come out on top. We’re both fast and tactical fighters, so I think it’s going to be a thrilling and high-level battle. I want to make it a fight fans will remember,” Wakamatsu said.

Pacio most recently defended his strawweight title in a unification bout against interim champion Jarred Brooks at ONE 171: Qatar in February 2025, held at the Lusail Sports Arena in Doha, Qatar.

He staged a dramatic comeback victory, scoring a second-round TKO to settle their trilogy 2–1, improve his record to 23–4, and earn a $50,000 performance bonus.

The bout between Pacio and Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title is set for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

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