Undisputed MMA champion Joshua Pacio aims to inspire Filipino youth by becoming a two-division champion

Reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio is aiming to make history by becoming the first Filipino fighter to capture world titles in two divisions under ONE Championship.

Pacio’s quest for greatness pits him against one of the most dangerous men in the promotion: Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu, the reigning flyweight champion. Wakamatsu claimed the belt with a first-round finish of Adriano Moraes at ONE 172.

For the Benguet native, the pursuit of a second title is about more than just personal glory. He says inspiring young Filipinos is one of his biggest motivations.

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“I’m not just trying to be a two-division world champion—I will become a two-division world champion this November 16 for the Filipino youth in my country. I want to inspire them, so they will see that they too can someday be champions in their chosen professions,” Pacio said in a media interaction.

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

The 29-year-old acknowledges the difficult challenge ahead, especially with Wakamatsu enjoying home-crowd advantage at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

“I have seen Wakamatsu since his first fight in ONE Championship, and I respected him a lot. I’ve seen how he worked hard and earned that championship belt,” Pacio added.

Pacio enters the bout fresh off a dramatic title defense at ONE 171: Qatar in February 2025, where he defeated interim champion Jarred Brooks in a strawweight title unification match. Staging a comeback, he scored a second-round TKO to settle their trilogy 2–1, improve his record to 23–4, and take home a $50,000 performance bonus.

Now, with momentum on his side, Pacio will attempt to etch his name into ONE Championship history. He challenges Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

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