Joshua Pacio banking on world championship experience to carry him to victory against Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE 173

(From left) Yuya Wakamatsu and Joshua Pacio collide for flyweight gold in Tokyo, Japan. [Image: ONE Championship]
(From left) Yuya Wakamatsu and Joshua Pacio collide for flyweight gold in Tokyo, Japan. [Image: ONE Championship]

Reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio believes his world championship pedigree will be the difference-maker in his upcoming battle at ONE 173 in Japan.

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The reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion challenges defending king Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE flyweight MMA world title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.

In an exclusive pre-fight exchange with ONE Championship, 'The Passion' opened up about the advantage his years of championship experience provide when facing a newly crowned titleholder.

Joshua Pacio:

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"I wouldn't say that he would fade, but I believe my experience allows me to sustain my energy levels in long fights."
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The Lions Nation MMA representative has, after all, competed in multiple five-round title fights throughout his ONE Championship tenure, giving him plenty of firsthand experience on how to pace himself and perform at the best of his abilities when the stakes are highest.

Overcoming someone of Wakamatsu's quality will come with its challenges, though. However, the Filipino warrior has left no stone unturned as he prepares for this impending clash.

Joshua Pacio has gone all out to bring his very best version in Tokyo, and win or lose, 'The Passion' is ready to put on a show when the world's largest martial arts organization stops by "The Land of the Rising Sun" for their second show there this year.

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Joshua Pacio aims to make history as the first Filipino two-division MMA world champion

A victory for Joshua Pacio in Japan would cement his legacy as the first Filipino two-division MMA world champion in history.

The Filipino warrior has been competing in the promotion since 2016, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished fighters in the strawweight division with multiple world title reigns and classic battles against top contenders.

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Moving up to flyweight for this championship opportunity represents not just a chance at history, but also an opportunity to prove his skills translate across weight classes.

Should he emerge victorious on November 16, Pacio would join an elite group of fighters who have captured world titles in multiple divisions, further cementing his status as one of the greatest Filipino martial artists of all time.

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside the Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16, can be secured here.

Meanwhile, fans tuning in globally can head to watch.onefc.com for broadcast information in their region.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

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Edited by Himakshu Vyas
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