Without His Mother's Guidance, Joshua Pacio Would Not Be World Champion

They say that behind every successful man is a strong woman, and that is true for reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, who says he would be nowhere without his mother.

At the age of six, Pacio’s father left home to work abroad and provide for his family. His mother was left behind to take care of him when he was a child.

To this day, “The Passion” finds it hard to comprehend how she was able to balance raising him with all her other responsibilities.

He will be eternally grateful for her sacrifices and the care she gave him, which set him up for the success he enjoys today.

“To be honest, I don’t know how she was able to do it, raising a kid all by herself. But I guess this is why our mothers are our superheroes,” says Pacio.

“My mother has played a very significant role in my life. I love my mom. She took care of me when I was just a young boy and shaped me into the man I am now.

“Without her, I don’t know if I would be standing here right now a World Champion.”

The 23-year-old has developed into one of the finest mixed martial artists in the world over the last couple of years, and is deservedly on top of a division teeming with talent.

He is driven to maintain his reputation, as well of that of Team Lakay, and bring hope to his compatriots who are going through difficult times. However, nothing motivates him more than making his mother happy.

“She is my inspiration. I work very hard at what I do because I want to make her proud,” adds Pacio.

“Beyond all the accolades, the World Title belt, the rewards, and the recognition, I just want to make my mom proud. I’m doing my best in my career to honor her.”

Admittedly, when “The Passion” first started martial arts, his mother did not approve because she did not want to see him get hurt.

After he joined ONE Championship, however, she realized how important it was to him, and the many positive effects it had on his life. With that in mind, she threw her full support behind him.

Fueled by her support, Pacio went from strength to strength. Following his mother’s example, he worked hard to rise to World Title contention, and persevere when he had to go through tough times.

He never stopped trying to improve and get better, which led him to his rematch with Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito. This time he emerged with the win, and the belt around his waist.

“My mom taught me that I can get through any obstacle simply by just putting in the work, and having faith in God,” Pacio explains.

“More importantly, she taught me to believe what’s in store for me, whether that is victory or defeat. It has a purpose and a lesson.”

Now the shoe is on the other foot, and as a World Champion, the Filipino hero can provide for the woman that raised him to be the man he is today.

That is another of his motivations as he returns to action this Saturday, 19 January in the main event of ONE: ETERNAL GLORY at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The first defense of his ONE Strawweight World Title against Japan’s Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta in a five-round bout would bring honor and glory back to the Philippines, and help “The Passion,” give his mother a better life.

“The one thing I love most about my mom is her unconditional love. She would do anything and everything for me,” he says.

“Right now I’m doing the best I can to do that for her. She always believed that no matter what I did, I would be successful.

“That meant a lot to me growing up, and it gave me the confidence to pursue my passion and live out my dreams.”

Staying on top of the world would be a dream come true for Pacio, and it would also make his mother very proud.