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Filipino superstar Joshua Pacio can't shake the realization that MMA legend Demetrious Johnson has closed another chapter in his career. Immediately, Pacio paid homage to the recently retired 'Mighty Mouse', saying that he has set a very high standard for all athletes in the sport.
Johnson announced his retirement in the middle of ONE 168: Denver earlier this month, which also marked the end of a spectacular career in ONE Championship which spans over five years with a 6-1 record at the end.
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And looking at his entire career as one of the best MMA GOATs alive, Pacio shows his admiration towards DJ in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda.
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"I have a tremendous amount of respect for DJ. He’s one of the fighters I’ve always looked up to, alongside Anderson Silva, who is my ultimate MMA idol."
He added:
"DJ truly stands out as one of the best and has set a high standard for every athlete in the sport."
Looking at what remains, the future for the division is still bright with remaining and new contenders vying for the vacated gold.
And maybe, Joshua Pacio might be able to challenge for the flyweight strap if he unified the strawweight world titles since it is only one step above his natural weight.
Joshua Pacio willing to settle the score with Jarred Brooks in a trilogy match
Speaking of unifying the ONE strawweight MMA world titles, Joshua Pacio wants to settle the score once and for all with Jarred Brooks after the last anti-climactic ending in their second match.
Pacio believes that Brooks and himself would want to determine who's the best among both of them, after hearing that his rival praised him for his adjustments and improvements the last time.
'The Passion' told The MMA Superfan recently about Brooks:
“Like I said, during press conferences when he sells our fight, I don’t see him as cocky or whatever because I know the real him. On my end, I don’t see myself going to great lengths to you know, just sell our fights. That’s not me. But if that’s the way it is again, I’m all for it.”
Check the full interview below:
