Joshua Pacio to train in the USA after parting ways with Team Lakay

Former ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio is heading to the USA next month to train at various mixed martial arts gyms following his departure from the fabled Team Lakay.

Pacio, 20-4 as a professional mixed martial artist, is one of the four former world champions who have announced their exit from Team Lakay including Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, and Honorio Banario. According to the 27-year-old, the move was necessary for his growth.

“I want to level up. People are saying that I got lazy because I became a world champion, but no, I also do my own research to level up in training and skills. I add those to my arsenal to what they teach in Team Lakay that is why I became a champion,” Pacio said on Sparring Sessions.

“I want to level up in all aspects of my game. This was not a sudden decision. Speaking of leveling up, we plan to train in the USA next month. We are going to try Jackson Wink MMA. Not only that we will also do gym hopping to add to our mixed martial arts knowledge.”

Jackson Wink MMA is a mixed martial arts gym in New Mexico that has produced several UFC world champions such as Jon Jones, Rashad Evans, and Holly Holm.

It can also be remembered that Folayang trained at the renowned gym years ago during his first reign as ONE lightweight world champion. According to Pacio, training in America would help him reach his full potential.

“I know what I am lacking. People say that I am the best strawweight ever, but like I always say I am not even at my peak yet. I want to get that by going out of my comfort zone. I want to reach my full potential as an MMA athlete,” Pacio stressed.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News