– 7 hours ago
ONE 166: ONE Championship fighter Joshua Pacio prepares for his fight against Jared Brooks
in Qatar. – Photo of handout
Joshua Pacio has reclaimed his strawweight title, making him Lion Nations MMA Fight Stable’s inaugural world
champion.
Excited by this achievement, Eduardo Folayang, a respected figure in Philippine mixed martial arts (MMA), views Pacio’s
victory as more than just a win.
“I believe it holds great significance, especially in terms of inspiration,” shared the former national athlete and
ONE lightweight champion during an interview with the Philippine Inquirer over lunch last weekend.
“Given the abundance of young talent aspiring to be champions, witnessing the physical belt can instill discipline and
motivate them to push harder,” he added.
While Pacio secured his title after his opponent Jared Brooks was disqualified for an illegal move in a match in Qatar,
both fighters prefer winning titles through conventional means but acknowledge the symbolic value it brings.
“This still underscores the importance of hard work,” Pacio stated during a separate conversation. “It serves as an
extra push for everyone in the gym, including seasoned teammates like Kevin Belingon and emerging fighters. It enhances
the gym environment, which I believe is crucial in any workplace.”
“The sight of the symbol motivates every fighter to unleash their inner drive,” Folayang emphasized.
“Dreaming is easy, but transforming those dreams into reality? That’s where the challenge lies,” he continued.
“They often say inspiration constitutes just 1 percent, with the remaining 99 percent being hard work.” INQ
