Joshua Pacio Is Proud Of His Igorot Warrior Spirit

Joshua Pacio ADUX9687e2 web

Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is proud to represent his people on the global stage.

Most people know him as one of the stars of Team Lakay from Baguio City, Philippines, who will be helping him in his rematch against Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito for the ONE Strawweight World Title at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES.

However, the 22-year-old will also step into Indonesia’s Jakarta Convention Center in the name of the Igorot people, from his native La Trinidad in the province of Benguet in the Philippines.

Pacio explains that the Igorots are known for their warrior qualities, which he says will be essential for his main event clash with Naito.

“Igorots are known for bravery, for being strong, and of course, for being fighters,” he says.

“They should always be humble and mentally prepared for what challenges will come.

“I’m a proud Igorot. Every time I enter the cage, I’m ready for a challenge.”

The task he faces is likely to be the toughest of his career. He knows the Japanese star is a dangerous opponent, because he has faced him once before, and ended up on the wrong end of a third-round submission.

Joshua Pacio IMG_7411.jpg

Though Pacio returned to the drawing board after that match and has looked better and better since, Naito’s skills have continued to evolve, too.

As a result, their bout in Jakarta on 22 October promises to be a fascinating battle between two world-class athletes.

More in News

MMA heavyweight fighters Anatoly Malykhin and "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane exchange words in the ring
Superlek in the Circle.
Tang Kai celebrates after winning ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship at ONE 160
Samingdam NF Looksuan throws a kick at Sonrak Fairtex ONE Friday Fights 119
Ramadan Ondash, Suriyanlek Por Yenying, Abdallah Ondash, and Denkriangkrai Mavinn Muaythai before their fights.
Russian MMA fighter Anatoly Malykhin enters the ring
Worapon Lukjaoporongtom Tom Casse ONE Friday Fights 153 8
Dedduanglek Torfunfarm lands a uppercut on Cyber Sor Tienpo at ONE Friday Fights 153
Adam Sor Dechapan lands a teep down the middle against Enzo Clarisse at The Inner Circle on May 8
Muay Thai stars Adam Sor Dechapan and Enzo Clarisse face off ahead of ONE Friday Fights 153
Helena Crevar stands in the ring
Split screen of Kade Ruotolo and Fabricio Andrey