ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio of the Philippines has been refining his approach to competition for years. The most impactful upgrade he has made did not happen inside the gym.
“The Passion” defends his title against Mansur Malachiev at The Inner Circle 21 on Friday at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
He heads into the rematch as a more complete athlete than he was when the two first met in 2023.
The Filipino champion has spoken about the tactical and technical adjustments he has made. However, there is a foundational change underpinning all of it that he credits as the most significant shift of his career.
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Since partnering with Peter Miller from Condition Nutrition, the Lions Nation MMA representative has experienced a transformation that extends beyond physical condition.
“One of the biggest factors I think is I didn’t have a nutritionist that time,” he told ONE Championship. “I was pretty much doing the same things as before. But ever since I got Peter Miller from Condition Nutrition, I’ve seen the difference in my body and my strength.
“I saw it in my fight with Brooks. It’s just different, not just physically, but also mentally knowing your nutrition is on point. Right now, I’m super excited; I feel great, and fans will see a different Joshua Pacio this time.”
Joshua Pacio says rematch will top first meeting with Mansur Malachiev
Given their history, Joshua Pacio expects anything less than a war against his redemption-seeking challenger Mansur Malachiev.
Their initial three-round affair was a tactical chess match, and he expects this five-round war to live up ot the hype.
“You can expect an exciting and explosive rematch,” “The Passion” told ONE. “You can expect this rematch to top our first fight. At the end of the night, my hand will be raised. Whether it’s a decision, knockout or submission, I’ll find a way to win.”
Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein