Joshua Pacio relied on world championship experience to lead him to a victory over Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE 173.

MMA strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio believes his world championship pedigree will be the difference maker in his next fight at ONE 173 in Japan.

The defending ONE MMA Strawweight World Champion challenges King Yuya Wakamatsu for the MMA Flyweight World Title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Sunday, November 16.

In an exclusive pre-fight exchange with ONE Championship, “The Passion” spoke about the advantage his years of championship experience brings when facing the newly crowned titleholder.

Joshua Basio:

“I wouldn’t say it will fade away, but I think my experience allows me to maintain my energy levels in long fights.”

After all, the Lions Nation MMA representative has competed in multiple five-round title fights throughout his ONE Championship tenure, giving him plenty of first-hand experience on how to pace himself and perform to the best of his abilities when the stakes are at their highest.

However, beating someone of Wakamatsu’s quality will come with its challenges. However, the Filipino Warrior is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for this impending clash.

Joshua Pacio did his best to present his best version in Tokyo, and win or lose, “The Passion” is ready to put on a show when the world’s largest martial arts organization stops by “The Land of the Rising Sun” for its second show there this year.

Joshua Pacio aims to make history as the first Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) world champion in two divisions

A victory for Joshua Pacio in Japan would cement his legacy as the first Filipino MMA world champion in history.

The Filipino fighter has been competing in the promotion since 2016, where he has established himself as one of the most accomplished fighters in the strawweight division with multiple world titles and classic fights against top contenders.

Moving up to flyweight for this championship opportunity represents not only a chance for history, but also a chance to prove his skills across weight classes.

If he emerges victorious on November 16, Paseo will join an elite group of fighters who have captured world titles in multiple divisions, cementing his status as one of the greatest Filipino martial artists of all time.

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16 here.

Meanwhile, fans following the action globally can head to watch.onefc.com for broadcast information in their region.