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Filipino strawweight contender Joshua Pacio said he’s eager to leave his frustrations behind after losing in his first championship fight in ONE Championship to title-holder Yoshitaka Naito back in October of 2016.
Pacio, who had control of Naito in terms of strikes, downplayed the loss and instead treated it as a learning experience to improve.
“It’s not a defeat, I viewed it as an important lesson,” said Pacio (9-1-0) in a statement. “It also served as an inspiration to push myself to the limit.”
It was an eye-opening experience. And here I am as a more matured competitor inside the cage.”
Pacio, who is 12 years the junior of Naito, lost after the Japanese champion locked him in a rear-naked choke with 1:33 elapsed in the third round of the fight.
The Team Lakay fighter has a chance to avenge his loss come August 5 when he faes Naito’s compatriot Hayato Suzuki in ONE Championship Kings & Conquerors in Macau.
And although his last fight was for the belt, Pacio said he’s not in a hurry to get back into the title picture as he awaits the right opportunity to fight for the strap once more.
“I am willing to wait for the right time, timing is everything and every moment has its purpose,” said Pacio. “I don’t race to be in line for the belt, but I’m racing perfection in this sport.”