MMA

Joshua Pacio ready to defend ONE world title again ex-UFC fighter Brooks anytime

ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio is raring to find out what former UFC fighter Jarred Brooks is made of inside the cage.

Brooks, 19-2 as a professional mixed martial arts fighter, earned a shot at Pacio’s gold-plated strap when he defeated Bokang Masunyane via submission last month. He immediately called out Pacio after the fight, and the Filipino has responded by saying that he is ready to go anytime.

“I’m ready to go. I think I have a fair idea about this sport’s business side, and I’ve seen a lot of guys like him talk to market themselves, so I understand what he’s playing,” Pacio said.

“As for me, I’m just focused on my training and our game plan. I’m just happy he talks a lot and doing all that hype.”

Pacio, 26, is considered by many as the best Filipino MMA fighter today coming out of the famed Team Lakay stable in Baguio City. He holds a 19-3 record as a pro and has defeated every world champion in ONE strawweight history.

He knows he would be up against a dangerous wrestler when he shares the cage with Brooks, but is nevertheless sharpening all of his tools to prepare for the brash American fighter.

“I’m focusing on everything because this is MMA. I know his strength is wrestling, but I have a lot of tools in my game that I haven’t yet demonstrated inside the circle,” Pacio stated.

“[I want] to show him who’s the best strawweight on the planet and who the real daddy is. I heard you calling my name many times. Don’t you worry, I’ll see you soon.”

—JMB, GMA News