All business for Pacio in third bout vs Brooks
At A Glance
- ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio has one mission in mind when he returns to the cage -- make a resounding win over rival Jarred Brooks in their third showdown.<br>
ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio has one mission in mind when he returns to the cage -- make a resounding win over rival Jarred Brooks in their third showdown.
The 28-year-old Pacio wants nothing but an emphatic victory to erase all the doubts and prove to everyone that he deserves the belt he earned through Brooks' disqualification in their bout last March 1 in Qatar.
“As an MMA fighter, di ko gusto ‘yong pagkapanalo ko, but getting the belt I know I deserved it. I know I worked hard [for this], not just me [but also] my team, may mga taong nag-sacrifice ng oras para matrain ako,” said Pacio on Saturday, March 16, during ONE Championship's media day in Quezon City.
“I deserved it all the years of hard work, pero hindi naman dito matatapos ‘yon, papatunayan ko ‘yon sa trilogy,” he added.
The second bout turned controversial when Brooks slammed Pacio’s head to the ground which resulted in disqualification in the opening round.
Pacio was advised by ONE medical staff to take a break for two months to ensure his wellness. But with a task at hand, the Filipino fighter will do light training starting this week.
Despite the public uproar against Brooks, Pacio heaped praises on his foe and admitted that the American was indeed the strongest opponent he ever faced.
“He made me a better athlete, better MMA fighter. Physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally, siya ang pinaka-best na nakaharap ko [in] my entire career,” he concluded.