Joshua Pacio Sets Out to Break the 'Japan Curse' at ONE Samurai 5

On November 18, the 30-year-old from Baguio City travels to Tokyo to defend his ONE strawweight MMA world title against Keito Yamakita at ONE Samurai 5, and he wants to do more than keep his belt. He aims to break the so-called Japan curse, a pattern of Filipino fighters struggling against Japanese opponents in their home country.

Unfinished business in Tokyo

Nearly a year ago in Tokyo, Yuya Wakamatsu knocked Pacio out in the second round, ending his bid to become the first Filipino mixed martial artist to hold two divisional titles at once. A right hand dazed him before a flurry of knees on the ground forced the referee to step in. It was the first knockout loss of his career. That fight took place at Ariake Arena, just over 16 kilometers from EBARA WAVE Arena Ota, where he now headlines against Yamakita.

Japanese opponents have appeared repeatedly in his career: Yoshitaka Naito, Hayato Suzuki, Yosuke Saruta and Wakamatsu have all faced him. His first strawweight title shot ended in a loss to Naito in Yangon in 2016, before he avenged it two years later in Jakarta to win the belt, and his rivalry with Saruta took three fights, with Pacio winning the last two. He credits Japanese fighters with bringing out the best in him, praising their heart, perseverance and respect for opponents. His teammates Eduard Folayang, Honorio Banario and Danny Kingad have also found Japan difficult, though Kingad and Lito Adiwang each beat Senzo Ikeda there in 2019.

No more waiting for rematches

Since the bout was announced in August, Pacio has seen fans urge him not to leave the result to the judges. He accepts that view, noting that controversy on big stages is not unique to MMA. He also admits he still tends to overthink during camp, and says he counters it with faith and focus.

Pacio said he wants to show growth without needing a loss to reveal what to fix. He enters off a rematch win over Mansur Malachiev last July, and said he no longer wants to wait for rematches to make adjustments.

I am so focused, and I have faith that I will win on Nov. 18.

Pacio defends the ONE strawweight MMA world title against Yamakita on November 18 at EBARA WAVE Arena Ota in Tokyo.