‘That Bonus Is Life Changing’ – Jeremy Pacatiw Reflects On Submission Win Over Tial Thang

Jeremy Pacatiw thrilled his compatriots with a second-round finish at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, last Saturday, December 3.

The 26-year-old Filipino cinched up a triangle choke submission to force a tap from Tial Thang on the main card of ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks, getting back on the winning track after his defeat to #1-ranked bantamweight Fabricio Andrade in February.

Despite Team Lakay being known for their incredible striking skills, “The Juggernaut” notched his third career victory via submission, and he credits the elite stable’s commitment to improving in every area of MMA.

Pacatiw said:

“As a martial artist, we need to train everything, not only one arsenal. This is mixed martial arts, and it’s composed of a lot of disciplines.  

“With the proper and right people in the gym, we train and hone our arsenal. We keep on grinding, and repetition is the key. That’s why I was able to execute the triangle [choke]. 

“It wasn’t the game plan, but it just came, so I saw it as an opportunity and took it.”

After an entertaining first round that saw both competitors trade strikes on the feet, “The Juggernaut’s” finish early in round two earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. 

The Baguio City resident was thrilled with the extra reward, which served as some compensation for the years of work he’s put into his combat sports career.

Pacatiw said:

“Having that bonus is life changing because, as a martial artist, it’s very hard. 

“We’re very blessed. We are thankful to Sir Chatri because we impressed him, and he gave us a US$50,000 bonus. I’m speechless. That’s it.”

Jeremy Pacatiw Believes Team Lakay’s Veterans Can Bounce Back

Jeremy Pacatiw’s win was much-needed for Team Lakay on a weekend that didn’t weigh in their favor.

Out of seven bouts they entered at ONE 164 and ONE on Prime Video 5 on Friday, only “The Juggernaut” and undefeated rising star Jhanlo Mark Sangiao managed to pick up wins.

Most notably, Joshua Pacio lost Team Lakay’s final belt when Jarred Brooks took the ONE Strawweight World Title via decision, and former ONE World Champions Eduard Folayang and Geje Eustaquio also suffered defeats.

But while the new generation of Baguio City fighters – Pacatiw, Sangiao, and Stephen Loman – seem to be pushing through, “The Juggernaut” won’t write off their elders just yet.

He added:

“We need to comfort them. They’ve helped us a lot – not only in training, but also when it comes to advice. They shared their knowledge and skill, and we still believe that it’s not the end of their careers.  

“We believe that they still have the skills to show, and in God’s time, he will give it to our seniors. We believe in them.”