Pacio sees potential title fight if victorious in ONE Macau tilt

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MACAU—Joshua Pacio was barely a teenager when he faced Yoshitaka Naito for the ONE World strawweight title back in 2016 in what became his first loss of his budding professional career.

The 21-year-old has since bounced back from his setback after escaping with a split decision victory over Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke in March of 2017 to up his record to 9-1.

And Pacio knows that if he gets another win on Saturday, a title shot may very well be on the horizon for him.

“There are people who’re saying that if I win, there’ll be another title shot,” said Pacio in Filipino Friday at Holiday Inn.

Pacio is set to face Naito’s Japanese compatriot Hayato Suzuki (16-0-2) on Saturday at Cotai Arena in ONE Championship: Kings and Conquerors.

“I believe that this is the challenge ONE has given me, I think they saw that I’ve improved after I lost.”

Pacio said he’s matured after his loss to Naito, and he plans to make full use of every aspect of mixed martial arts.

“The lesson I got in my loss to Naito was that I shouldn’t rely on my striking alone,” said Pacio. “I assumed that, since Naito’s a grappler, that I would be at a disadvantage when I’m put to the ground.”

“That’s the biggest mistake I’ve done.”