Pacio Faces Malachiev in Strawweight Title Rematch

On Friday, July 10, the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title will be up for grabs when seven‑time champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio meets challenger Mansur Malachiev inside Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium. The clash headlines The Inner Circle 21 and will be broadcast live across Asia via live.onefc.com. Pacio earned his last title win at ONE Fight Night 15 in October 2023, securing a unanimous decision over Malachiev after three grueling rounds.

Malachiev brings a nearly perfect résumé to the bout, standing at 13‑1 with a reputation for explosive takedowns. His grappling pack includes six chokes out of seven submission victories, most notably a brabo choke over Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado in June 2023 and a north‑south finish of former champion Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks. The Dagestani striker has shown the ability to spin onto opponents with a back‑kick, a move that disrupted Pacio’s flow in their previous meeting.

Why Pacio’s Unorthodox Strikes Matter

Pacio’s striking operates outside conventional patterns, blending feints, unique angles, and rapid combos that keep opponents guessing. That unpredictability has been a hallmark of his historic title reign, making him difficult to read on the feet. In the first fight Malachiev landed a spinning back kick, proving he can match the champion’s unorthodox rhythm. If “The Passion” can stay sharp, precise, and relentless, he should be able to keep the Russian on his toes and limit his opportunities to grapple.

Malachiev’s Takedown Threat

Malachiev does not merely take opponents down; he crashes into the canvas with force that leaves them disoriented before any ground game begins. His high‑amplitude takedowns have propelled a near‑flawless 13‑1 career, and his blend of power and variety makes him a genuine danger once he secures a grip. Against Pacio’s stellar defense, the Russian struggled to chain attacks, forcing longer stand‑up exchanges than he prefers. Adding feints and rapid level changes could force the champion into a lapse, opening a window for his devastating ground‑and‑pound.

Once on the bottom, Malachiev’s trips, throws, and dumps set up lethal follow‑up strikes. The dynamic would shift dramatically in his favor inside Lumpinee Stadium this July. For a fighter with a 13‑1 record, securing a clean takedown could be the turning point that decides the championship.

The Role of Timing in a Title Fight

Joshua Pacio’s timing is often cited as one of the sharpest in the strawweight division, allowing him to land precise shots in narrow windows where others miss. This elite sense of timing works both offensively and defensively, turning vulnerable moments into counter‑strike opportunities. Their first bout showcased this when Pacio escaped Malachiev’s multiple takedown attempts and nearly forced a guillotine choke, highlighting his ability to create danger from unexpected angles.

If Pacio can repeat that level of timing consistency, he becomes a lethal threat at every range. Malachiev may find no safe spot inside Lumpinee Stadium on Friday night, as the champion’s clockwork precision could dictate the pace of the entire contest.

Malachiev’s Choke Arsenal

Malachiev is a submission specialist, six of his seven career finishes coming via chokes. The Dagestani’s grip strength has earned him global recognition, with signature wins over Miado and Brooks that demonstrated his ability to shut down elite opponents. In their previous clash, the Filipino champion expertly defended his attempts, preventing the Russian from landing his trademark chokes.

For the rematch, Malachiev will need more than fleeting chances; extreme patience and creative threats are essential. Even a failed choke attempt can force Pacio to spend energy escaping, potentially draining the champion’s gas tank and leaving him vulnerable to heavy ground‑and‑pound from the top position. A seven‑time world champion cannot afford that weakness, and Friday night is the stage where the challenge will be tested.