CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
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.”