Joshua Pacio focused on building explosiveness, power to face Yuya Wakamatsu: “I've gotten physically stronger”

Joshua Pacio (L) vs Yuya Wakamatsu (R) | Image by ONE Championship
Joshua Pacio (L) vs Yuya Wakamatsu (R) | Image by ONE Championship

ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio of the Philippines made sure his body is ready for the physical demands of the flyweight division.

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‘The Passion’ will seek to conquer a higher weight class at ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri, when he challenges champion Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE flyweight MMA crown.

A true veteran of the game, Pacio understood the assignment and knew that competing at 135 pounds required more than simply eating more food.

The 29-year-old has focused bulk of his camp on strength and conditioning, which included more time in the weight room.

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In an interview with ONE Championship, Pacio detailed the extent of his physical transformation:

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"I didn't exactly bulk up too much, but I can assure you I've gotten physically stronger to be ready for this weight class."
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Pacio knew he had to step up his game against a destroyer like Wakamatsu. ‘Little Piranha’ brings devastating finishing power to this title defense and is coming off a career-defining first-round KO of Adriano Moraes.

Meanwhile, the Lions Nation MMA representative seeks to become the Philippines' first-ever two-division MMA world champion. To accomplish the historic feat, Pacio is gearing up his body for war at ONE 173.


Joshua Pacio enjoying his move to flyweight

While going up a weight class comes with immense pressure, Joshua Pacio is actually enjoying the perks.

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For one, the Baguio native has more freedom with his diet since he'll be fighting closer to his natural weight. 'The Passion' enthusiastically told ONE:

"For this fight, I'm actually quite thrilled. I don't have to cut weight that much. [Peter Miller] from Condition Nutrition is still guiding me. At strawweight, I had to restrict my calories. Now, I'm quite surprised by the amount I'm able to eat."

Keep up with Sportskeeda and ONE Championship for the latest on ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

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Edited by Himakshu Vyas
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