Meet “The Passion” – the 22‑year‑old Filipino Fury
Joshua Pacio might only be 22, but he’s already got the swagger of a seasoned martial artist. His fans call him “The Passion” because when he hits the cage, the crowd feels his heat.
Fast‑Track to the Top
- Professionally, he’s 10‑2—10 wins, 2 losses.
- He’s climbed the ONE Championship strawweight ladder faster than a high‑speed espresso shot.
- Striking? Stunning. Grappling? Even more stunning.
Why He’s a Voice of a Generation
“I never imagined I’d be on a big stage so early,” Pacio says. “I thought it would take years, but training pushed me out of my comfort zone and into the spotlight.”
A Quick‑Start Rundown
- His debut: a second‑round TKO over Rabin Catalan—no intro music needed.
- Next win: a first‑round rear‑naked choke on Thai champion Kritsada “Dream Man” Kongsrichai.
Those two victories—one by thunderous striking, one by impeccable grappling—made everyone notice him in the ultra‑competitive ONE strawweight division.
The Title Dream That Showed Up Early
“When the title fight came, it felt like a knock‑on‑door surprise,” he admits. “I didn’t even have time to answer that the live audience was waiting for me.” The bout against undefeated champion Yoshitaka Naito was intense. Pacio floated on green‑assassin style for most of the match but was finally taken away in the third round by a solid submission.
What’s Next for “The Passion”?
Dreaming of a world championship, Pacio keeps his eyes on the prize—while his city is cheering him on like a fan club. He’s proving that age is just a number, and the future is his stage, ready for the next headline.
Pacio’s First Loss, A Lesson in Growth
After a tough, first career defeat, Filipino fighter Jorge Pacio has turned the setback into a stepping‑stone. “I learned a lot from that loss—what it takes to be a world champion, and even more about myself,” he said with a grin. “It was a great experience for me.”
From Strangulation to Split Decision
Since that controversy‑filled night, he’s kept climbing:
- Defeated former ONE Strawweight champ Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke via split decision.
- Lost by submission to lanky Japanese wrestler Hayato Suzuki.
Every time he steps into the cage, fans can expect fireworks—evidently, Pomodoro‑peppered martial artistry.
Fight Night 26 Jan: Co‑Main Event on Home Turf
With the original Thai target—Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit—axed by injury, Pacio turns a last‑minute pivot into a prime opportunity. He’s set to face
Lan Ming Qiang – Bundle of Chinese Brilliance
—the 24‑year‑old, multiple‑time sanda champion from Guangzhou. He trains with flyweight title hopeful Ma Hao Bin, also slated to headline the card.
Pacio is swagger‑full as ever:
“I’ve got more experience, and the two losses literally taught me a ton,” he says. “I see setbacks as an advantage—no white flag on my record.”
“Lan is a solid striker; I’ve seen him in action, he’s tough. But I’ve lived, breathed, and even danced inside cages more. Experience is the edge, that’s the plan.”
Why It Matters
It’s not just another bout—this is a massive platform for a Filipino fan favourite to lift the skyscraper of Filipino martial arts onto global view. He with conviction in his tone: “This match matters. I’m proving I deserve the international spotlight. I want to show my countrymen that martial arts aren’t just about fighting—they’re about dreaming,” he said, ready to “inspire the next generation of youth to chase their own ambitions.”
Outcome & Outlook
All bets are on Pacio delivering a show‑stopping performance on the 26th of January. No more excuses—time to light up the ONE: Global Superheroes stage at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Let’s cheer him on!
