“I’m actually quite thrilled”: Joshua Pacio moves to flyweight and discovers surprising advantage in training with more food and strength

Joshua Pacio, the reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion from the Philippines, is all smiles as he prepares for his next big challenge. On November 16, 2025, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, the 29-year-old will ascend to flyweight to challenge Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title.

Pacio said he's astounded by the amount of food he's been permitted to eat following his promotion, and he feels better than ever as he prepares to be the first Filipino two-division world champion, thus becoming historic.

Joshua Pacio surprised by how much he can eat while training for flyweight debut

In a chat with ONE Championship, Joshua Pacio said he feels happier and healthier now that he no longer has to worry about cutting too much weight. “For this fight, I’m actually quite thrilled,” Pacio shared. “I don’t have to cut weight that much. [Peter Miller] from Condition Nutrition is still guiding me. At strawweight, I had to restrict my calories. Now, I’m quite surprised by the amount I’m able to eat.”

Pacio said the shift to 135 pounds had sped recovery and made training easier. He added that his body is more powerful and at ease during sparring sessions.The Filipino star added that he is learning how to handle the extra muscle and power that come with the higher weight class. For him, this shift isn’t just about size; it’s about performance and feeling at his best when he steps into the cage in front of his fans in Tokyo.

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Joshua Pacio focused on history-making moment against Yuya Wakamatsu

Coming from one of the most significant triumphs of his career, Joshua Pacio unifies the strawweight globe title at ONE 171 when he defeats Jarred Brooks. That triumph propelled him upward and toward a second belt. “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.Known for his rapid striking and strong defense, Yuya Wakamatsu is Japan's best flyweight star. Wakamatsu will battle on home soil; however, Pacio is confident he can quiet the throng and make history. On November 16, at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, where two world titles will be at stake, fans can view the confrontation live.