Pacio eyes second title, Zamboanga defends strap at ONE 173
- Balitang Marino
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read

July 23 ------ ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio has eyes on a second championship in a higher weight class , while ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice Zamboanga defends her belt for the first time in this massive card for Philippine MMA - ONE 173 set on November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Both fighters will tackle a hostile environment as they battle Japanese stars in the promotion’s return to the Land of the Rising Sun, with Pacio moving up a weight class to challenge flyweight king Yuya Wakamatsu, while Zamboanga defends her strap against Ayaka Miura.
After putting a lid on his trilogy against rival Jarred Brooks, Pacio has seemingly done everything he can in the strawweight division – with eight championship wins in that division in three separate reigns. Wakamatsu, on the other hand, finally reached the mountaintop of the flyweight division after beating longtime divisional ruler Adriano Moraes early this year for the belt.
Now the Lions Nation star will look to do what no Filipino has done in the world of MMA – hold two World Titles simultaneously. “Moving up in weight is definitely a huge step for me, but more than anything, I see it as a great opportunity,” Pacio said. “At this point in my career, I have nothing to lose — only a chance to grow, test myself. I thank God and I’m truly grateful to Chatri [Sityodtong] and ONE Championship for trusting me with this challenge, and I’m excited to embrace it fully.” Pacio added.
Zamboanga out to build own legacy
Zamboanga, on the other hand, will jumpstart her title reign against the red-hot Miura who've won her last five fights in the most impressive fashion. “The Menace” became the first Filiipina to win a championship in a major MMA organization last January and she wants nothing more than to be remembered as a fighting champion who never said no to a match. That’s why even though she’s eyeing a highly anticipated superfight with her good friend and highly-popular atomweight star Stamp Fairtex, she’s not waiting around for her first defense. "I believe God’s timing is always perfect, and I’m honored to defend this belt against Ayaka Miura in Japan," Zamboanga said. "She’s one of the strongest grapplers in the atomweight division, and I’ve watched how relentless she is with her ground game. There’s still a long road ahead in my preparation, but I’m committed to putting in the work and showing up stronger than ever." she added.
Source: spin.ph
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