For most fighters, facing an undefeated opponent with nothing to lose represents the kind of challenge they’d rather avoid.
But for , his upcoming clash with promotional newcomer at represents the perfect opportunity to prove he belongs among the bantamweight division’s elite.
The #5-ranked contender will put his hard-earned position on the line when he faces the undefeated Azerbaijani at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, August 1, as part of a stacked card airing live in U.S. primetime.
Coming off a unanimous decision loss to #4-ranked at this past April, Pacatiw knows that another setback could derail his World Championship aspirations.
Yet the Lions Nation MMA proponent embraces the pressure that comes with defending his ranking against a hungry challenger making his debut in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
Pacatiw said:
“This is a risky fight. I’m facing a debuting opponent and I’m already in the top five so there’s a risk involved there but I’m taking it as a challenge. I’m looking at it as me protecting my space from a newcomer, and I know that if I win here, I might get another shot at those ranked higher than me.”
The Baguio City native has built his reputation on taking calculated risks throughout his career, from his early days representing the Philippines in kickboxing at the Southeast Asian Games to his globe-trotting professional journey that took him to countries like Brazil, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia before landing in ONE.
That adventurous spirit has served him well inside the Circle, where he’s notched a slew of impressive victories.
Now, with his back against the wall following his recent loss to Baatarkhuu, Pacatiw sees the Alyshov fight as a crucial stepping stone toward his ultimate goal of challenging for bantamweight gold.
The Lions Nation MMA fighter said:
“There are risks of course but what’s life without risks? Because if I win here I’m back once more on the right track.”
Pacatiw Prepared For Alyshov’s Submission Arsenal
While Elbek Alyshov may be making his ONE Championship debut, Jeremy Pacatiw isn’t taking the 26-year-old Azerbaijani lightly.
The challenger brings an impressive 7-0 professional record to Bangkok, with an efficient finishing style that has seen him submit six opponents during his rise through the regional circuit.
Pacatiw has done his homework on his upcoming foe, and he knows he’s facing a dangerous grappler. For a well-rounded fighter like “The Juggernaut,” the ground game matchup promises to be a interesting clash of styles between two highly skilled practitioners.
Pacatiw said:
“Scouting my opponent, he really loves to choke people out, mostly he’s getting those guillotine chokes in and taking his opponents’ neck with him so I’m gonna watch out for that.”
Pacatiw knows better than to prepare for just one aspect of his opponent’s game. The veteran understands that any fighter skilled enough to earn an invitation to ONE possesses multiple weapons in his arsenal, which is why the Filipino star will not underestimate Alyshov when they step into the ring this Friday night.
The Lions Nation MMA representative will be looking to stave off the Azerbaijani’s threat, and protect his position among the bantamweight division’s elite.
He said:
“Still, I expect him to show different things because we really can’t predict what else he’ll be bringing to the table. So yeah, while he’s shown great ability to finish with a choke, I just can’t simply focus on those because a fighter as skilled as he is. I know he can find other submissions. It’s all about being ready on the ground. Defense and offense.”
