“I hope that this strong support continues” - Joshua Pacio says fans can bring ONE Championship back to Manila

Reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion and former Team Lakay member 'The Passion' Joshua Pacio of the Philippines dreams of bringing the world's largest martial arts organization back to Manila.

The 28-year-old Lions Nation MMA co-founder believes that if the Filipino people get behind their champion, and he's able to make a successful world title defense this February, he can help bring ONE Championship to the Philippines for the first time since 2022.

He told YouTube channel The MMA Superfan in a recent guest appearance:

"First and foremost, I want to thank God for good health and my full recovery. And of course, to all the Filipino fight fans who always support us, I hope that this strong support continues so that ONE Championship returns to the Philippines. Of course, to my team, Lions Nation MMA, Sniper Gym, and all my family and friends, thank you very much."

Pacio is currently the strawweight MMA king. But the Baguio City native is set for an all-important unification bout with the interim titleholder next month and he is deep in training to ensure victory.

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Joshua Pacio to run it back with Jarred Brooks in trilogy match at ONE 171: Qatar

'The Passion' Joshua Pacio is set to face interim titleholder 'The Monkey God' Jarred Brooks of the United States in a ONE strawweight MMA world title unification bout.

The two lock horns at ONE 171: Qatar, which broadcasts live from the Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail, Qatar, on Thursday, February 20.

Fans in the United States and Canada can visit ONE Championship's official website for more information on how to watch. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.