Joshua Pacio says no pressure competing on Yuya Wakamatsu’s home turf at ONE 173: “It’s not new to me”

ONE strawweight MMA world champion ‘The Passion’ Joshua Pacio is heading into his upcoming cross-divisional showdown with newly crowned flyweight MMA king ‘Little Piranha’ Yuya Wakamatsu this weekend full of confidence.

More importantly, the Baguio City native appears relaxed and says he feels no pressure, despite having to compete in Wakamatsu’s backyard at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri in Tokyo.

‘The Passion’ made an appearance at the final ONE 173 press conference on Wednesday at Hilton Odaiba, and told media that will leave Japan on Sunday with another golden belt in tow:

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“First of all, I just want to thank God for the opportunity, ONE Championship, sir Chatri, for the opportunity again. I’m just so happy to be here fighting in the land of the rising sun. It’s my first time to compete here, and I’m so honored. And I know Japanese people are very respectful. I respect them a lot. And it’s a new territory for me. It’s my first time competing here, but I’m more focused on Yuya Wakamatsu.”

Pacio added:

“Throughout all my career, I have fought in hostile enemy territory. So it’s not new to me. Pressure, it’s not new to me. It’s a very, very big challenge. But what can I say? Watch me on Nov. 16 [when I] become a two-division World Champion.”

ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri will take place live on Sunday, Nov. 16, from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. North American fans can check out live.onefc.com to watch the event live via pay-per-view.

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Joshua Pacio ready to usher in "new chapter" of his career

Filipino superstar Joshua ‘The Passion’ Pacio has the chance to make history on Sunday night.

If he beats Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE flyweight MMA world title, the 29-year-old star will become the first MMA fighter from the Philippines to become a two-division world champion.

Pacio told SCMP MMA:

“Yeah, man. It's not just a new challenge but it's like a new chapter of my career. [It’s a ] very big challenge, I think. But I believe Yuya Wakamatsu is a champion for a reason, and he's very strong, very fast. His timing is accurate, very good. But you know, I'm a champion too, and there's a reason why I'm here. And yeah, they gave me the opportunity—I will prove them.”

Check back with Sportskeeda MMA for up-to-the-minute updates on ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak