Joshua Pacio topples Alex Silva to retain world title

Joshua Pacio successfully defended his ONE strawweight world title over Alex Silva at ONE: Fire & Fury Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena. PHOTO FROM ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

Joshua Pacio has showcased how far he has evolved following a highly impressive performance en route to a split decision nod to successfully defend his ONE strawweight world title over Alex Silva at ONE: Fire & Fury Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It was all Pacio in the opening round as he landed Team Lakay's signature wushu kicks to the leg and body. Silva wanted the fight on the ground, but Pacio was able to sprawl his takedown attempts with ease.

Silva was visibly hurt from Pacio's kicks to the body in round two. The visiting foe did all he could to keep the contest on the ground, and even went for a choke but to no avail.

Pacio dominated the contest in round three. Silva was visibly tired after his failed submission attempts, but even after eating a hard knee to the chin, he was never placed out of his zone.

It was a striking matchup in round 4 where Pacio repeatedly landed hard right hands to the head and body. When seemingly out of options, Silva would shoot for a takedown, but the Filipino never came close to danger.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt had seemingly ran out of options in round five. Be it on the feet or on the ground, Pacio always got the better of him in the exchanges.

The performance was arguably the best yet in Pacio's MMA career in his second defense of his world title. He improved his impressive record to 17-3 while Silva fell to 9-5. — BAP, GMA News