Reigning ONE Strawweight champion Joshua Pacio continues to dominate his division as he successfully defended his belt against the former champion Alex Silva in ONE: Fire & Fury at MOA Arena last Friday.
The entire fight was a test of ground game and grappling as both fighters spent most of their time on the ground. Both fighters came out aggressive, but Pacio's improved ground skills proved pivotal to earn the judges' favor with a split decision.
In the early rounds, Pacio unleashed his superior striking skills as his punches and back kicks wobbled the challenger. This prompted the Brazillian challenger to make early adjustments and aim for takedowns that almost caught Pacio in an arm-triangle choke in under 40 seconds left in the second round.
"For me, I play safe. So dahan-dahan 'yung pag-escape ko. Para hindi makuha lalo na 'yung arm triangle niya sa akin," Pacio said.
Pacio's play safe strategy was the turning point of the match as every take down followed by submission attempts by Silva, he adeptly escaped from. Silva acknowledged Pacio's toughness and said he deserves to be the top of his division.
"Yeah he's a tough kid, he deserves to be top in the division. I will come back," Silva said.
Pacio concluded that he is focused on improving his skills more and is ready to show a different version of himself next.
"Naka-focus ako ngayon kung paano ko pa pale-level up-in 'yung skills ko. Para sakin gusto kong iba 'yung Joshua Pacio kong maipakita sa next," Pacio said.
In other fights, fellow Team Lakay teammate Eduard Folayang got a heartbreaking split decision loss as Pieter Buist's height and reach advantage along with superior grappling and ground game proved difficult for Folayang.
"I think my calculation with him is not that good. His reach advantage and height advantage, I wasn't able to adjust. For sure I will be back." Folayang said.
Fellow Team Lakay teammates Danny Kingad, Lito Adiwang, and Gina Iniong dominated their opponents.
Kingad won by unanimous decision against Xie Wei as his aggressive striking combinations dazed his opponent and were enough to earn the judges' favor.
Adiwang kept his word that he will put on a show as he made quick work of his opponent Pongsiri Mitsatit via kimura submission in round one.
In the female category, Iniong won via a unanimous decision against Asha Roka after she outgrappled her opponent aggressively and scored a high volume of take downs.
"'Yung gameplan po namin take down kasi alam po namin doon siya mahina," Iniong said.