Pacio to defend ONE strawweight belt vs Russian

MANILA, Philippines -- Coming off an unsuccessful bid to become a two-division ONE world champion, Filipino fighter Joshua Pacio is headed back to the strawweight division to defend his title.

“The Passion” will take on Russia’s Mansur Malachiev in an MMA strawweight world title match on July 10 at The Inner Circle 21’s main event. 

The two already fought back in 2023, where Pacio outlasted his opponent via unanimous decision after three rounds. 

Now, the Filipino will try to do the same, but with bigger stakes. 

Pacio is coming off a TKO defeat against Yuya Wakamatsu back in November for the ONE flyweight MMA title. 

The 30-year-old is currently holding a 14-5 win-loss record in ONE FC, while Malachiev has a 4-1 slate, with his lone loss coming against Pacio. 

The Russian defeated Jarred Brooks in his last fight via submission. 

Also fighting in the co-main event of the evening is Eduard Folayang, who will face Shozo Isojima in a lightweight bout. 

“Landslide” last fought last year, when the 42-year-old pride of the Philippines tapped out against Shinya Aoki of Japan back in ONE 172. 

But Folayang will try to better his 13-12 win-loss record against the Japanese Isojima, who is 28 years younger compared to the Filipino legend. 

Isojima is coming off two straight losses against American Tye Ruotolo and Singapore’s Adrian Lee. 

Those in the Philippines, and almost every region in the world except Russia, China and a few others, who would want to watch the fight could do so live on live.onefc.com, with the card expected to start at 7:30 p.m. Philippine time.