Photo from ONE Championship
MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Pacio has sat atop the strawweight division for nearly two years now and he’s not one to gloat and bask forever in his glory.
Team Lakay’s 24-year-old stalwart closely monitors the division that he rules and the upcoming bout between contenders Hexigetu and Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke is the one that he’s focused on.
“This is going to be a very explosive matchup, given the two styles. They are both very aggressive and like to lead the pace. Dejdamrong is a very experienced athlete with years of competition on his resume. Of course, he has some of the best standup in the world owing to his time in Thailand’s top Muay Thai circuits,” said Pacio.
“Hexigetu, meanwhile, is a very explosive and athletic fighter. That’s why I expect an exciting showdown between these two amazing athletes.”
Dejdamrong and Hexigetu are set to face off on Friday in ONE: Reign of Dynasties.
Pacio faced Dejdamrong in 2017 and came away with a close split decision win giving a bit of knowledge about the 41-year-old Thai striker.
Despite Dejdamrong already in his 40s, Pacio believes that Evolve MMA’s versatile finisher will be the one to have his hand raised after the final bell and propel himself up the division.
“Dejdamrong has that, and even more. I believe he wants to make another run at the title, and I welcome him. I think if he wins this fight, and he turns in an impressive performance, he can easily climb up the rankings,” said Pacio. “This is going to be a fun fight but I have Dejdamrong winning this one.”
Dejdamrong has six knockouts and three submissions in his name and the last time he won via decision was back in 2015 against Yago Bryan Farias de Morais.
The reigning strawweight king said that even though Dejdamrong (11-5) is already within retirement age, he feels that the elder statesman still has so much left in the tank.
“I don’t think age really matters that much as long as you still have that drive and desire to compete against the best,” said Pacio. “What was tough about Dejdamrong was that you can immediately feel that he’s been in this game for a long time. He knows everything there is to know about fighting, and he’s a very technical striker. No doubt, he got all that from his time as a Lumpinee Stadium champion. He really is one of the greatest.”