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Nicolas Atkin

Joshua Pacio is open to defending his ONE Championship strawweight title against surging American Jarred Brooks.
The Filipino 26-year-old has set his sights on a return to the ONE Circle in April, and insists he is open to facing “anyone” – whether that means top contender Bokang Masunyane or No 2-ranked Brooks.
“Maybe Bokang, maybe Brooks, or maybe they will fight each other and the winner will get me, something like that,” Pacio told the Post. “Anyone – I’m ready to defend my title this April or May, let’s get it on.”
Two-time champ Pacio (20-3) last defended his belt in a first-round TKO of Japan’s Yosuke Saruta last September, setting their trilogy in emphatic fashion.


“The Monkey God” Brooks (18-2) has since made his claim for a title shot by taking out Pacio’s Team Lakay stablemate Lito Adiwang and No 4-ranked Hiroba Minowa.
“I think Bokang has a difficult situation right now, he’s in South Africa and he can’t come out of his country. If we have the next challenger, maybe Brooks,” Pacio added.
“Brooks has been there in the top level of competition, so for me I’m pushing myself also to become a better fighter. That’s what I love, it’s a challenge.”
ONE: Yamaguchi steps in to replace Olsim vs ‘Shadowcat’
Former UFC star Brooks hasn’t been afraid to dabble in a little trash talk since debuting in Asian martial arts promotion ONE last November.
The 28-year-old tried to get under Pacio’s skin with a post-fight callout after beating Minowa by unanimous decision in January, but “The Passion” is enjoying the banter.
“I’m not annoyed with him,” Pacio said. “I understand what he’s doing. I understand the business side of this sport. I think he’s trying to get in my head.

“But no man, that’s your thing. Do your thing, and this is mine. I can’t do trash talking because this is my personality.
“I’m setting an example for the next generation here in my country. It’s all about the core values of martial arts. So just do his thing, whatever he wants.
“I think he’s just hyping the fans, and yeah, that makes this strawweight bout exciting. That’s just his personality. He’s a very exciting fighter.”

Pacio hinted some of his teammates will be flying out to Singapore to fight in late February, but he will remain in Baguio perfecting his craft.
“I’m still growing, there’s a lot to improve,” Pacio said. “Every single day I’m getting better and better, like one per cent. I think I’m not at my peak yet.
“That’s my goal, to improve every day, and if I do that I can defend my belt multiple times. If I get to my peak then I’m sure that I will be unstoppable.”

With just two fights in the last two years, Pacio is hoping circumstances allow him to be a little more active in 2022.
“Pandemic and lockdowns, everyone’s sick of it. We just want to go back to normal,” he said. “Fight two to three times a year, and maybe the crowd will go back.
“My last fight with Saruta, it’s like we’re having a sparring [match] – there’s no crowd shouting. So we miss the crowd.”

Pacio is used to showcasing his skills in front of a packed Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, and holds out hope ONE might return to Pasay City this year.
“Yeah, maybe man, that would be great,” Pacio said. “Here in the Philippines it’s very difficult about the government. I don’t know.
“Early this year maybe they’ll open up and hopefully I’ll defend my title here in Manila.”


ONE Championship: Yod-IQ Pimolsri secures contract, eyes rematch with Abdulla Dayakaev

ONE Championship: Superbon insists his longevity, success are rooted in discipline over sacrifice

ONE Championship: Mohammad Siasarani finally gets coveted contract – now he wants the belt

ONE Championship: Liu Mengyang believes win over Tawanchai is ‘turning point of my career’

ONE Championship

ONE Championship: Joshua Pacio enjoying Jarred Brooks trash talk, open to title fight – ‘do your thing’

Joshua Pacio celebrates a victory in the ONE Circle. Photos: ONE Championship

Jarred Brooks throws an elbow at Hiroba Minowa.

Jarred Brooks (right) points at Hiroba Minowa during their face-off at the ONE: Only The Brave ceremonial weigh-ins.

Joshua Pacio knocks out Yosuke Saruta with a knee.

Joshua Pacio punches Alex Silva from the top.

ONE Championship: Mei Yamaguchi steps in to replace Jenelyn Olsim against Jihin Radzuan at Bad Blood

Mei Yamaguchi prepares to fight in the ONE: Circle. Photos: ONE Championship

Jihin Radzuan celebrates her decision win over Bi Nguyen.

ONE Championship reveals full schedule for remainder of 2022, with ‘more to come’

Stamp Fairtex speaks to Mitch Chilson after winning the ONE atomweight grand prix. Photos: ONE Championship

Bibiano Fernandes with his title at a ONE press conference. 

Russia’s Anatoly Malykhin is set to fight for the ONE interim heavyweight title. 

ONE Championship rankings update: Jarred Brooks moves up at strawweight; Joshua Pacio title shot ‘very possible in 1-2 more fights’

Jarred Brooks heads to the ONE Circle ahead of his fight against Hiroba Minowa at ONE: Only The Brave in Singapore. Photos: ONE Championship

ONE Championship co-founder Victor Cui departs company; will remain a ‘significant shareholder’

Victor Cui poses with a ONE title belt. Photo: ONE Championship

Victor Cui congratulates Christian Lee on his successful lightweight title defence at ONE: Inside The Matrix. Photo: ONE Championship

Sport

Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts


Filipino strawweight champion knows American is ‘trying to get in my head’ but is not rising to the bait
‘I’m not annoyed with him. I understand the business side of this sport, he’s just hyping the fans,’ Pacio says



ONE Championship strawweight king Joshua Pacio knows Jarred Brooks is ‘trying to get in my head’ but is not rising to the bait.
