Jeremy Pacatiw And Ibragim Dauev Sound Off On Pivotal MMA Clash At ONE Fight Night 28
At ONE Fight Night 28: Prajanchai vs. Barboza on Prime Video, two of the bantamweight MMA division’s most talented rising contenders will lock horns in an electrifying matchup that promises action for as long as it lasts.
On February 7, live in U.S. primetime, Filipino standout Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw will look for his third consecutive victory when he takes on undefeated Dagestani destroyer Ibragim Dauev in front of a packed crowd at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Both athletes look to be in prime condition and well on their way to the bantamweight MMA division’s top-five rankings – and each possess an explosive, crowd-pleasing approach to combat.
Before they step into the ring and throw down, both Pacatiw and Dauev spoke to onefc.com about what fans can expect in this pivotal matchup.
Pacatiw: ‘I Can Compete Wherever This Fight Goes’
A veteran of four battles in ONE, “The Juggernaut” is no stranger to facing elite opponents on the global stage. His opponent, Dauev, has fought just a single time in ONE but impressed fans with a dominant, lopsided decision win over established ONE superstar Mark “Tyson” Abelardo.
Pacatiw has carefully studied that bout and was quick to give respect to Dauev and his dangerous skill set.
He said:
“I saw his fight against Mark Abelardo. He performed really well. He’s got good striking, but of course, being a Dagestani, it’s his wrestling that’s his bread and butter. We really saw that against Mark Abelardo.”
Indeed, the Filipino knows that his takedown defense and grappling will be put to the test on February 7.
Still, despite his foe’s undeniably world-class wrestling attack, Pacatiw is confident no matter where the fight goes – even if it hits the canvas:
“His strength is his wrestling, sure, but I’m not underestimating his striking. He’s got the height and reach advantage on me, so that’s one thing I’m looking at. As for me, I’m eager to put on a show, I’m confident in my skills, I’m ready to compete wherever he wants.
“My advantage will certainly be my stand-up, and I think when it comes to submissions, I have the better submissions. He’s a wrestler, so I’m watching out for things that I can exploit, where I can get a submission.”
Pacatiw has good reason to trust in his ground game, having scored back-to-back submission wins in his most recent appearances.
While a third straight submission at ONE Fight Night 28 would certainly be nice, he said that his primary goal is to win all phases of the fight, including stand-up, wrestling, and ground work.
Whatever Dauev throws at him, he said, he’ll be ready:
“What I want to prove in this fight is that I can compete wherever this fight goes, that I have the presence of mind to adjust whatever happens in this fight. It’s really important because this sport is a game of adjustments. It’s a game of plan-Bs, and that’s what I want to show.”
Dauev: ‘I’m Always Aiming For A Bonus’
For his part, Ibragim Dauev has continued to fine tune his terrifying ground game in preparation for Jeremy Pacatiw.
He’s also worked hard to upgrade his striking in an effort to become a more entertaining athlete:
“Since my debut, I’ve improved my grappling skills and control on the ground. I’ve also worked a lot on my striking, as ONE fans love exciting fights.”
The Russian admitted that Pacatiw has no glaring weaknesses and is a well-trained, well-rounded fighter. However, Dauev sees an obvious advantage for himself in terms of overall grappling and physicality.
He explained:
“Pacatiw has decent striking and solid grappling skills, but I believe I’m far superior in grappling and wrestling. I don’t think I’ll fall short in striking, either. I think my biggest advantage is in grappling and endurance.”
However the fight plays out, Dauev – like Pacatiw – is prepared.
That might mean putting on another three-round beatdown or, if the opportunity presents itself, his first finish on the global stage:
“I’m ready for three full rounds, but if I see an opportunity, I won’t miss it. I’m always aiming for a bonus, and this fight is no exception.”
