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Joshua Pacio, the Filipino ONE Strawweight champion, is confident in his skills ahead of his title rematch against Mansur Malachiev on Friday at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. Pacio will defend his belt against the Russian wrestler nearly two years after handing Malachiev the first loss of his professional career with a unanimous decision victory at ONE Fight Night 15.

Pacio will be facing his toughest test yet, and he's not taking it lightly. The Lions Nation MMA standout said he has continued to improve since their first meeting. 'I believe I've grown a lot since our first fight. Not just technically, but also mentally and physically,' Pacio said.

The Filipino fighter has been training hard for this rematch, and he's determined to put on a show. This time around, Pacio aims to deliver a more impressive performance, and he's not afraid to speak his mind about it.

Key Facts

  • Date: July 7, 2026
  • Location: Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok
  • Competition: ONE Strawweight title rematch between Joshua Pacio and Mansur Malachiev
  • Pacio's Record: 17-3 record in his professional MMA career
  • Malachiev's Record: 14-1 record in his professional MMA career
  • Pacio's Training: Has been training with the Lions Nation MMA team
  • Rematch: This is the second meeting between the two fighters

Pacio's improvement since their first meeting has been remarkable, and he's not afraid to show it off. The Filipino fighter has been working tirelessly to improve his skills, and he's confident that he has what it takes to take down Malachiev once again.

The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. Only time will tell if Pacio's hard work will pay off, but one thing is certain – this rematch is going to be an exciting one.

Pacio's confidence is not unwarranted, considering his impressive performance in their first meeting. He took down Malachiev with a unanimous decision, showcasing his skill and determination.

In preparation for the rematch, Pacio has been working on his weaknesses, and he's not afraid to talk about it. 'I've been focusing on my cardio and my endurance. I want to be ready for anything Malachiev throws at me,' Pacio said.

The stage is set, and the crowd is eager to see what these two talented fighters have in store for them. Will Pacio emerge victorious once again, or will Malachiev prove to be a tougher opponent than expected? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this rematch is going to be an epic battle.

Pacio's journey to becoming a champion is not an easy one. He's faced numerous challenges along the way, but he's never given up. His determination and perseverance have earned him the respect of his peers, and he's not afraid to show it off.

The rematch between Pacio and Malachiev is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these two fighters. They've pushed themselves to the limit, and they're ready to put on a show.

The world is watching, and the stakes are high. But for Pacio, it's not just about winning or losing – it's about proving himself as a fighter.

And in a statement to the press, Pacio said:

'I'm not just fighting for myself, I'm fighting for my country. I want to make my family and my country proud.'