In the world of mixed martial arts, there are few matchups as exciting as a back-and-forth brawl where both fighters leave everything in the cage. One such explosive encounter took place between Joshua Pacio and Mansur Malachiev, a fight that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The night was filled with intensity, heart, and moments of pure MMA magic as both warriors showcased their skills and determination in a battle for supremacy.

Joshua Pacio keen to study his errors from Mansur Malachiev fight: “I was  not impressed with my performance”

Joshua Pacio: The Skillful Champion

Joshua Pacio is a well-rounded fighter known for his impressive striking and ground game. The Filipino star has become one of the most feared names in the flyweight division, earning recognition for his ability to adapt and dominate in different areas of combat. With an impeccable record in various promotions, Pacio has shown that he can thrive under pressure and rise to the occasion when it matters most.

His striking is precise, and his jiu-jitsu game is smooth, making him dangerous both on his feet and on the ground. Pacio’s ability to dictate the pace of a fight, combined with his solid cardio and endurance, makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in his weight class. Coming into this fight, Pacio had a lot to prove. Would he be able to defend his title and solidify his position as the top fighter in his division, or would he face a new threat in the form of Mansur Malachiev?

Joshua Pacio says 'struggling' Mansur Malachiev had no quit in him: “He was  undefeated for a reason”

Mansur Malachiev: The Rising Contender

Mansur Malachiev entered the cage with something to prove. As a rising star in the MMA world, he had quickly made a name for himself with a series of dominant performances, showcasing his versatile skill set and ability to finish opponents in impressive fashion. Malachiev, known for his powerful striking and exceptional wrestling, was looking to make a statement and take Pacio’s place atop the rankings.

The Russian fighter’s aggression, speed, and striking accuracy were his key strengths heading into this bout. His relentless pace and ability to control his opponents through a mixture of powerful clinches, takedowns, and striking combinations made him a dangerous challenger for Pacio. Fans knew that Malachiev wasn’t just looking for a win—he was looking to dominate and prove that he belonged among the best in the sport.

Joshua Pacio ONE 166: WATCH: Joshua Pacio dominates Dagestani grappler  Mansur Malachiev to book world title rematch against Jarred Brooks

The Fight: A Back-And-Forth War

From the moment the bell rang, it was clear that this fight would be an all-out war. Both fighters came out with aggression, looking to land clean shots while being cautious of each other’s strengths. Pacio, as expected, used his fast footwork and precise striking to establish his rhythm, while Malachiev countered with his powerful exchanges and relentless pressure.

In the opening rounds, it was a battle of pace and precision. Pacio’s movement and ability to control distance allowed him to land clean combinations, but Malachiev’s power punches kept him in the fight. Both fighters had their moments, with Pacio landing his signature kicks and Malachiev connecting with thunderous punches that shook the Filipino fighter.

Joshua Pacio: WATCH: Joshua Pacio showcases his calculated nature in  chaotic barnburner against Mansur Malachiev in Bangkok

As the fight progressed, the intensity ramped up. Each exchange seemed to have the potential to end the fight, and both fighters seemed to absorb punishment without backing down. Pacio was pushed to his limits, but his toughness and resilience kept him in the fight. Malachiev, on the other hand, showed off his ability to push forward despite being rocked by some of Pacio’s best shots.

In the middle rounds, the fight began to shift. Pacio started to regain control, using his superior technique and grappling to neutralize Malachiev’s power. His clinch work and ability to transition into submissions kept Malachiev on the defensive. However, Malachiev wasn’t done yet—he fought back with everything he had, landing heavy shots that made Pacio’s chin test his durability.

Joshua Pacio reveals error he made in Malachiev fight

The Turning Point: A Fight for the Ages

The turning point came in the final rounds, when both fighters seemed to dig deep into their reserves. With the fight hanging in the balance, Pacio and Malachiev exchanged punches, kicks, and grappling maneuvers with everything on the line. Both men were fatigued, but neither was willing to give an inch.

In a thrilling sequence, Pacio managed to land a stunning head-kick followed by a clean right hand that sent Malachiev reeling. Sensing the opening, Pacio closed in with a flurry of strikes, pushing Malachiev against the cage and looking for a potential finish. However, Malachiev showed incredible heart, managing to escape and land a few solid strikes of his own, proving why he’s a rising star in the sport.

ONE Championship: Joshua Pacio vs Jarred Brooks rematch set for early 2024  | South China Morning Post

The Conclusion: A Warrior’s Victory

When the final bell rang, the fighters were both battered and bruised, but there was no doubt that they had given it their all. The decision was left in the hands of the judges, who scored the bout in favor of Joshua Pacio, awarding him the victory after a back-and-forth brawl that had everything MMA fans could hope for. While Pacio was declared the winner, there was no denying that Mansur Malachiev had earned the respect of everyone watching.

This fight will go down as one of the most exciting and hard-fought battles in recent memory. Both Pacio and Malachiev left everything in the cage, and their warrior spirit was evident in every second of the fight. For Pacio, it was a victory that solidified his place at the top of the division, while for Malachiev, it was a performance that showcased his potential to become a champion in the future.

ONE 164: Pacio vs Brooks | Best Highlights - ONE Championship – The Home Of  Martial Arts

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

For Joshua Pacio, this win reaffirms his status as one of the top fighters in the world, but the challenge doesn’t stop here. The flyweight division is stacked with talent, and new challengers will continue to emerge, each with their own unique style and strengths. Pacio will likely defend his title again soon, and fans can expect another exciting chapter in his journey to remain the champion.

For Mansur Malachiev, although he came up short in this fight, his performance was far from a loss. Malachiev showed that he has the skill, heart, and grit to compete with the best in the world. This fight will only make him stronger, and with more experience, he could very well find himself challenging for a title in the near future.

 

Conclusion: A Fight to Remember

The Joshua Pacio vs. Mansur Malachiev fight was a back-and-forth brawl that delivered everything MMA fans could ask for—high-level technique, power, heart, and unrelenting aggression. It was a true test of skill and endurance for both fighters, and despite the brutal exchanges, they both walked away with their heads held high. This was a battle for the ages, and it’s a fight that will be remembered for a long time in the MMA community.