Joshua Pacio is looking to be a two-division champion as he challenges Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight title at ONE 173.
Lito "Thunder Kid" Adiwang bared his full support for his former teammate Joshua "The Passion" Pacio ahead of his quest for two-division glory at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.
This Sunday, November 16, the reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion will move up a weight class to challenge Yuya "Little Piranha" Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA world title at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Adiwang also recently made a successful flyweight debut, blitzing Mauro Mastromarini via a first-round TKO at ONE Fight Night 37 last November 8.
According to "Thunder Kid,” Pacio's well-rounded abilities will shine even brighter at this new weight class.
"I'm super excited for this one, not just as a fellow ONE athlete but as a fan of both guys. This is a great match-up, especially styles-wise,” he said.
“Joshua is a well-rounded guy. He can knock you out, and he can submit you. His edge here is that he's moving up. His power will be amplified, so will his speed. But I think it's his IQ and his presence of mind that will be his advantage against Wakamatsu," Adiwang added.
After spending time together as training partners during their respective tenures at Team Lakay, Adiwang also witnessed Pacio's evolution into a complete martial artist.
The 32-year-old believes Pacio's vastly improved ground game will be key against the heavy-handed Japanese champion.
"Every time Wakamatsu aggressively attacks with his big swings, Pacio can capitalize with his well-timed takedowns. From there, he can control him on the ground, scramble if he needs to, just rinse and repeat. And also, one of the biggest improvements Pacio made is his submission skills. Once he gets you down, he really hunts for that tap," Adiwang added.
Adiwang will be watching this champion vs. champion match-up closely in the co-main event of ONE 173.
The SOMA Fight Club representative is confident that we will witness the crowning of the first-ever Filipino two-division MMA world champion.
"My full support is with Joshua, and I'm praying for his victory in this fight. I know he has the skill set, and may the force be with him for this fight. I'm hoping he makes history. It will be big for the Philippines if he accomplishes this," he said.