The Filipino seeks to become his country’s first-ever two-division MMA World Champion in Wakamatsu’s first defense.
Pacio enters as arguably the greatest strawweight in ONE Championship history. The 29-year-old has captured the title multiple times and most recently defeated Jarred Brooks via second-round technical knockout at ONE 171 in February, cementing his status as the undisputed 125-pound king.
His move to flyweight represents a calculated opportunity rather than abandonment of strawweight dominance. When ONE Championship offered the chance to compete for a second title, Pacio recognized the legacy-building potential.
“My main goal was to defend my strawweight title, but I’ll always grab opportunities that ONE Championship gives me. They gave me a chance to fight for the flyweight belt, so here we are,” Pacio said.
The weight class transition has brought unexpected benefits to his training and preparation. Rather than restricting calories for strawweight competition, Pacio now fuels his body properly while maintaining elite conditioning. The nutritional freedom has improved his recovery between training sessions.
“For this fight, I’m actually quite thrilled. I don’t have to cut weight that much. At strawweight, I had to restrict my calories. Now, I’m quite surprised by the amount I’m able to eat. I’m more relaxed, and I’m enjoying my training camp,” Pacio said.
His preparation at Lions Nation MMA has focused on building strength without sacrificing the speed that defines his competitive advantage. The Filipino understood that flyweight competition demands physical adjustments beyond simply eating more food.
“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. The priority is to make sure my body has adjusted well,” Pacio said.
The enhanced recovery and improved energy levels throughout training camp have reinforced his confidence about competing at flyweight. His strength and conditioning program prioritized explosive power development while maintaining the quickness that has made him successful.
Wakamatsu presents a serious test for Pacio’s flyweight debut. The Japanese champion captured the title in March with a first-round technical knockout of Adriano Moraes, showcasing the finishing ability that has defined his career. His aggressive pressure style demands that Pacio’s physical improvements translate effectively against championship-level competition.
Pacio has built his career on quickness and timing. His preparation for flyweight competition focused on ensuring those advantages remain intact despite the added muscle and strength required for the heavier division.
“The main thing, of course, is to make sure I don’t lose speed. It’s one of my best attributes, so I made sure it’s still there when I move up a weight class,” Pacio said.
