One of the most devastating knockout victories in the promotion’s history started Joshua “The Passion” Pacio’s march to the ONE Strawweight world title.
The Team Lakay fighter knocked out Roy “The Dominator” Doliguez with a spectacular spinning back fist in the opening minute of the second round at ONE: Legends of the World in November 2017.
Pacio remembers the career-defining move, which came early in the second round, vividly. He feinted with a right leg kick, spun around counter clockwise and then connected with his left hand to finish the fight.
“I was backing up and then threw a leg kick. I throw a leg kick, planted (my right leg) on the outside of his standing leg, (and) then rotated. That’s when I caught him with the spinning back fist,” said Pacio
The Filipino star finished his next two opponents and then he defeated then-reigning titleholder Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito in September 2018 to start his reign as the ONE Strawweight World Champion.
He said the strategy came only after studying his opponent’s weaknesses by picking apart tape and then deciding on the best techniques for your match-up.
“We all know that Roy Doliguez is a southpaw, left-handed. So, he’s vulnerable to the strikes of my right hand (and) my right kick,” said Pacio.
Pacio’s right hand and leg attacks came at the vulnerable left side of Doliguez. After the opening round Pacio included a back kick and a spinning back fist with his left hand.
The rest is history. Early in the second round Pacio feinted with a right leg kick, spun around and knocked out Doliguez with a spinning backfist using his left hand.
Pacio’s latest victory was his successful title defense against Brazilian challenger Alex Silva via split decision at ONE: Fire and Fury at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. While Pacio is known for his striking he proved he can beat the Brazilian jiu-jitsu blackbelter at his own grappling game.
Pacio has since become a well-rounded fighter and continues to hold the ONE Strawweight title. But it all started with a sensational victory using a spinning backfist.