WATCH: Joshua Pacio’s perfect knee strike knockout of Yosuke Saruta in world title showdown in Manila

In Joshua Pacio’s 22 career wins, his knockout victory over Yosuke Saruta stands as a defining moment in his highlight reel.

The emphatic finish came during their heated rematch for the ONE strawweight MMA world championship in April 2019 — a duel etched in the memory of fans for its dramatic conclusion.

ONE Championship recently rekindled the excitement by sharing a slow-motion clip of Pacio’s spectacular knockout on Instagram:

At the time, “The Passion” was in the hunt for redemption after losing the belt to Saruta in a razor-close decision earlier that year.

The back-and-forth nature of their initial encounter demanded an immediate do-over, and the stage was set at the jampacked Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines — Pacio’s home turf.

The highly anticipated showdown did not disappoint. Despite enduring an early knockdown in the opening round, Pacio gradually found his rhythm, showcasing sharper striking as the fight progressed.

In the fourth round, he delivered a perfectly timed knee that floored Saruta, reclaiming the championship in stunning fashion.

The rivalry between Pacio and Saruta reached its climax in September 2021 when the two squared off in a rubber match.

The bout was another thrilling affair, with Saruta pushing the pace and Pacio countering effectively.

After staggering Saruta with a powerful left hand, Pacio unleashed a barrage of strikes to author a decisive finish and retain the divisional crown.

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Joshua Pacio seeks to foil another arch-nemesis at ONE 171

Now, Joshua Pacio is poised for another chapter in his storied career as he prepares to face a familiar foe, Jarred Brooks, in a highly anticipated trilogy bout.

The two will clash in a ONE strawweight MMA world title unification at ONE 171 in Qatar on February 20, 2025, at Lusail Sports Arena.

Pacio will undoubtedly aim to deliver another electrifying performance against one of his fiercest rivals.