Former ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is expecting a hero’s welcome at ONE 166: Qatar.

On Friday, March 1, the Filipino superstar will compete in the first of three World Title fights at the landmark event when he takes on reigning strawweight MMA king Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks in front of a packed house at the Lusail Sports Arena.

A rematch for Joshua Pacio to conquer

That contest will be a rematch of the pair’s unforgettable December 2022 clash that saw the brash American showcase a well-rounded skill set to secure a five-round decision and claim Pacio’s ONE Strawweight MMA World Title.

“The Passion” has since returned to his winning ways, scoring an impressive victory over the previously undefeated Russian phenom Mansur Malachiev last October at ONE Fight Night 15.

He’s now eager to even the score with Brooks in Qatar at the organization’s historic debut in the country.
Even though he’ll be competing several thousand miles away from his native Philippines, the 28-year-old former titleholder is sure there will be plenty of proud Filipinos at the Lusail Sports Arena.

He said “I am super excited. When the bout was announced a few months ago, I already felt the support from the Filipinos over there through social media. I get tagged a lot, and whenever I look up their profile, I find out that they’re from Qatar.”

Pacio carries the Philippines wherever he fights

A veteran of 16 thrilling fights in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Pacio is a certified global superstar, but his strongest support naturally comes from the Philippines. While he’s certainly experienced his share of victories in his home country, his most recent appearance in the country was his loss to “The Monkey God.”

Also Read: “There’s Nothing That Can Stop Me” – Jarred Brooks Confesses of Being in the “Zone” for ONE 166

With that in mind, Pacio is determined to put on a show for all his Filipino fans in Qatar, erase the memories of his last encounter with Brooks, and return to the Philippines with 26 pounds of gold in tow. “The Passion” added, “I feel so honored and blessed for this opportunity. I miss fighting in the Philippines, and I think the atmosphere will be the same when I perform on March 1st because for sure, many Filipinos will get to watch the event.”

Also Read: Jarred Brooks Aims to Humble Joshua Pacio Ahead of Their Rematch – “My Tools Have Gotten So Much Better”