Naito, susubukan si Pacio
UMAATIKABONG bakbakan ang ilalarga ng ONE Championship sa gaganaping ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES sa September 22 sa Jakarta Convention Center.
Sentro ng atensyon ang duwelo sa pagitan nina two-time division kingpin Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito at Team Lakay star Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.
Nagkatagpo na ang landas ng dalawa nang tangkain ni Pacio na maagaw ang ONE Strawweight World Championship kay Naito sa main event ng ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS noong Oktubre 2016.
“He (Pacio) is young, agile and tenacious. I can’t forget every bit of what transpired in that match nearly two years ago. He really wanted to win the world title. It was tough,” sambit ni Naito.
Inamin ni Naito na nahirapan siya nang talunin si Pacio at ang laban niya sa Pinoy ang isa sa pinakamahirap na panalo sa kanyang career.
Dumaan sa matinding hamon ang Japanese submission specialist bago naisalba ang come-from-behind victory laban kay Pacio sa rear-naked choke sa third round.
“I’ve never had an opponent who’s defended well against my tackles, so it was tough. I usually get my foe to the ground easily. His punches and kicks were very heavy. It really hurt when it hit me,” aniya.
Sa naturang laban, abot-kamay na ni Pacio ang tagumpay at kasaysayan b ilang pinakabatang kampeon sa mixed martial arts.
“Joshua is a tough opponent. I really thought I was going to die. I was very tired,” pahayag ni Naito.
Sa isa pang pagkakataon, magtutuos sina Naito at Pacio sa September 22 at inaasahan ng 34-anyos Japanese champion ang mahigpitang laban sa Filipino dynamo.
“He has grown tremendously. His skill as a fighter was already impressive when we first fought. He has evolved into a dangerous martial artist. For sure, he wants some revenge. I am expecting it,” aniya.