This Friday, 31 January, two of the finest athletes in the strawweight division are set to collide at ONE: FIRE & FURY in Manila, Philippines.

Joshua “The Passion” Pacio defends his ONE Strawweight World Title against former World Champion and BJJ master Alex “Little Rock” Silva at the Mall Of Asia Arena.

Pacio knows it will be no easy feat to defend his strap against the ground specialist, who is a Copa De Mundo BJJ World Champion.

“He’s in an amazing team with Evolve, he’s been a champion, and he has always been a top contender, so I expect this to be really tough,” Pacio said.

“Little Rock” is coming off a stellar year, where he recorded two consecutive submission finishes to earn his shot at the World Title.

Silva’s BJJ skills were on full display in both wins – a second-round armbar win over Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD and another slick rolling armbar victory over Peng Xue Wen at ONE: EDGE OF GREATNESS.

The Singapore-based Brazilian’s total eight submissions have accounted for a phenomenal 89% career finishing rate, and Pacio knows he will be at a disadvantage on the ground.

However, “The Passion” believes he will have the edge in the stand-up battle.

“His strength has always been his grappling, I don’t think we can say anything about it, but if it stays striking, that’s our expertise,” he said.

The Filipino sensation has dazzled local fans with several highlight-reel finishes on his home turf.

Few can forget his jumping knee KO of Yosuke Saruta in April to reclaim the World Title, which fans voted the number one mixed martial arts knockout of 2019.

Although Pacio has no qualms about pulling off another sensational finish if the opportunity presents itself, he is focused on getting his hand raised inside the Mall Of Asia Arena.

“Of course we will be looking for a finish, but it will always depend on where the fight goes,” he said.

“But you can expect that I will do everything to get that win, whether by knockout or decision.”

Can “The Passion” author another exciting finish at ONE: FIRE & FURY on 31 January in Manila, Philippines? Tune in to find out.

The lead card starts on meWatch at 5:30pm Singapore Standard Time (SGT).

To watch the main card, tune-in to meWatch at 8:30pm SGT.

Also, Channel 5 will air the event via next day delay on Sunday at 12:00am SGT.

Or download the ONE Super App to watch all the action live and for free.

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