Undefeated Russian phenom Mansur Malachiev is wasting no time on his journey to the top of ONE’s talent-laden strawweight MMA division.
This Friday, at ONE Fight Night 15: Le vs. Freymanov on Prime Video, he’ll enjoy the opportunity to take one massive step closer to gold when he squares off with former divisional kingpin Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, live in North American primetime from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.
Mansur Malachiev to lock horns with Joshua Pacio at ONE Fight Night 15
Malachiev burst onto the scene in June at ONE Fight Night 11 when he made quick work of perennial tough out Jeremy Miado, earning the #5 spot in the strawweight MMA rankings. The 31-year-old plans to score another first-round finish against Pacio – the division’s #1-ranked contender and a man who held the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title for over four years.
Malachiev said: “I think I have all the skills to win. I’m ready for all three rounds, but I plan on finishing Pacio early. I’ll tell [the fans] not to blink as it’s going to be a very entertaining and beautiful fight.” While he’s not looking past ‘The Passion’ the Russian does have his sights set on current ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Jarred The Monkey God’ Brooks, who wrested the belt from Pacio last December at ONE 164.
Make no mistake, Malachiev expects a crack at Brooks once he gets past Pacio this Friday: “My goal is the belt, and I don’t care who my opponent is going to be. But since I’m fighting the number one [contender in the division], I want to fight Jarred Brooks, the champion, next.” Malachiev is motivated to lock horns with the outspoken World Champion, not only because he holds the divisional crown he so desperately wants but also because Brooks has downplayed his skills.
Malachiev warns Jarred Brooks before ONE Fight Night 15 clash
With his pristine 11-0 record, including nine highlight-reel finishes, the proud Dagestani says he wants to prove ‘The Monkey God’ wrong and claim his gold in the process. He added: “He’s been talking too much about me, and I want to show him what I can do, and then take the belt. He’s never met a fighter like me before. Once I get to him, he’ll realize he’s just a loudmouth.”
Read More: 4 Fighters Who Have the Most To Gain at ONE Fight Night 15
ONE Fight Night 15 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, October 6. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is free for all Prime Video subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
