"I'm not fazed by that anymore" - Joshua Pacio says fighting Yuya Wakamatsu at home in Tokyo is no sweat

Joshua Pacio isn't losing sleep over competing in enemy territory when he challenges for flyweight gold on one of the hottest fight cards of 2025.

At ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, the reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion faces defending king Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE flyweight MMA world title.

In an exclusive interview with ONE Championship ahead of their all-champion showdown inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16, 'The Passion' addressed the challenge of fighting on Japanese soil in front of Wakamatsu's home crowd and revealed why the hostile atmosphere doesn't faze him.

"I've been doing this for so long, I'm not fazed by that anymore," the Lions Nation MMA affiliate declared.

Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more

"I don't really feel at a disadvantage when fighting in my enemy's hometown. I will just go out there and do what God has put me out to do."

The 29-year-old's confidence stems from years of championship experience. Pacio has competed in high-stakes battles throughout his ONE Championship tenure since 2016, learning to block out external distractions and focus purely on his craft regardless of location or crowd sentiment.

For the Filipino warrior, the passionate Japanese fans cheering for 'Little Piranha' represent just another obstacle to overcome on his path to making history as the first Filipino two-division MMA world champion.

---

Joshua Pacio says his faith guides him through every challenge

Beyond his championship experience, Joshua Pacio draws strength from a deeper source that has carried him through the highs and lows of his martial arts journey.

His reference to doing "what God has put me out to do" reflects a fighter who views his career as something greater than personal glory—it's a mission he feels called to fulfill.

That faith-driven mindset has helped 'The Passion' navigate career setbacks, and ultimately remind fight fans why he's the best strawweight in MMA with a ferocious finish of 'The Monkey God' Jarred Brooks in their trilogy at ONE 171: Qatar this past February.

Now, as Joshua Pacio prepares for the biggest challenge of his career in Wakamatsu, that same unwavering faith could be the edge that carries him to victory when the Ariake Arena crowd roars against him on Nov. 16.

Will two-division glory await the Filipino fan-favorite when the blockbuster spectacle comes to an end next month, or will Wakamatsu ace his first test as the reigning flyweight MMA king?

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri can be secured here. Fans around the world can visit watch.onefc.com for how-to-watch details in their region.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

Edited by Aziel Karthak