Pongsiri Mitsatit: Thailand’s Rising Star Eyes Manila Glory
In the world of MMA, a perfect record can be the haven of hope—and the lure of a title fight. Pongsiri Mitsatit, the 9‑0 strawweight sensation, is carving his path toward that glittering prize with a showdown set for Friday, July 27 in the heart of Manila. The fight, billed under ONE: REIGN OF KINGS, pits the Thai prodigy against Filipino knockout maestro Joshua “The Passion” Pacio in a bout that could seal Mitsatit’s place among the champions.
The Roadblock That Didn’t Break Him
- Originally Overlooked: Their first matchup, scheduled for ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES in January, fell apart when Wittisiri sprained his stomach from a pesky food‑borne infection.
- Healing Beat: The 22‑year‑old detoxed, recharged, and was back to firing on all cylinders by the end of the month.
- Ready, Set, Fight: Now, with a full week of training in Manila, the stakes are higher than ever.
Training Zen at Tiger Muay Thai
Although the ring has been quiet, Pongsiri’s tempo never stopped in Phuket at the famed Tiger Muay Thai camp:
- Ground Game Gains: He’s honing his wrestling and submission chops behind the bright‑red Mata.
- Coach Love: Coach George Hickman’s guidance is a staple, making each session feel like a personal growth adventure.
- Mental Upgrade: Pongsiri notes a boosted confidence level across striking, grappling, and everything in between.
Pacio’s Versatile Vigor
Pacio’s recent victories—an electrifying spinning kick KO over Roy Doliguez and a rear‑naked choke over Sanda champ Lan Ming Qiang—show he’s not just a striking machine. But Pongsiri’s reply?
- Training Camp Jargon? He’s ambivalent about how Team Lakay trains—
- Focus Mode: “It’s not the gym, it’s commitment.”
- Upper Hand: He’s confident in fusing takedowns with his lethal submissions.
Only One Finish, Nine Wins
Despite a near‑perfect string of knocks, only one out of nine victories landed via decision. That win count means Mitsatit knows what it takes to finish fights—and the market says he’s “the new Manny” of the division. If he finishes Pacio before the bell rings, his path to a title shot could be a single bout away.
What It Means for the Future
“Winning will inch me closer to a title opportunity,” Pongsiri says, eyes locked on moving miles on the leaderboard. “When the moment comes, I’ll weigh every angle, then step into the octagon.”
In short, the world is watching. Pongsiri is primed, Pacio is fierce, and Manila will witness whether this clash elevates a rising Thai star into a championship legend.
