The Inner Circle 21: Pacio’s Submission and Isojima’s TKO

Pacio Retains Strawweight Title with Early Submission

Joshua “The Passion” Pacio defended his ONE Strawweight MMA World Title on Friday, July 10, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. The Filipino champion forced Mansur Malachiev into a rear‑naked choke and stopped the fight in under five minutes. This decisive finish reinforced his reputation as one of the most dominant titleholders in the division. Pacio also walked away with a US$50,000 bonus presented by ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Isojima Returns with Explosive TKO Over Folayang

In the co‑main event, Japanese judoka Shozo “Great Teacher” Isojima delivered a powerful TKO against former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang. The victory marked Isojima’s return to the win column and was billed as the biggest triumph of his career. The finish showcased his explosive striking and solidified his newfound momentum. The bout was part of a four‑fight undercard that highlighted diverse martial‑arts action.

Card Highlights: Submission, Stoppages, and Decision

The show featured four remarkable contests, delivering an epic submission, a pair of jaw‑dropping stoppages, and a thrilling decision result. The submission came from the main event, while the stoppages included a brutal knockout and a technical interrupt. The judges’ call added a compelling backdrop to the night’s competition. All bouts were streamed live via live.onefc.com and broadcast to Asia from Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium.

Looking Ahead to The Inner Circle 22

After the excitement of The Inner Circle 21, fans can anticipate the next installment on July 17. ONE Championship will continue to roll out high‑octane MMA and Muay Thai battles for its audience. The upcoming event promises fresh matchups and another showcase from Bangkok’s iconic arena. Stay tuned for tickets and streaming details as they become available.

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