Newly Married Joshua Pacio Calls Wife Anna the Biggest Blessing Behind His Success Ahead of Title Fight
ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio is heading into his next title defense as a married man, and the difference it has made to his life and career has been profound.
The 30-year-old Filipino will defend his 26 pounds of gold against Russian contender Mansur Malachiev in a rematch at The Inner Circle 21. It streams on live.onefc.com from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, July 10.
Pacio married his girlfriend Anna Galleo last December, and the newlywed champion has spoken candidly about how her presence has elevated every aspect of his training camp ahead of the biggest fight of his year.
Pacio Says His Wife Makes Training Camp Easier Every Single Day
The physical demands of a championship camp are well documented. For Pacio, having Anna by his side through every part of the preparation process has made the daily grind of defending his ONE Strawweight MMA World Title significantly more manageable.
"She's been an absolute godsend for me, especially in my career. She helps me with my meal plan, cooking for me every day. She really makes this training camp easier," Pacio offered.
Pacio, who owns a 23-5 record with 14 victories in ONE Championship, has built his incredible career behind disciplined preparation and a hunger to grow. Adding a partner who actively contributes to the nutritional and logistical side of camp removes one more variable from the equation.
Strawweight King Credits Anna for Keeping Him Grounded and Calm
A three-fight winning streak in his division and the confidence of having already defeated Malachiev once have Pacio foaming at the mouth to compete. In fact, he was ready to jump into the ring once he signed the bout offer.
Fortunately, Anna has been the steadying force that keeps that energy focused rather than scattered.
"Lately, I've been so eager to fight. I just want to get in the ring and defend my title. I feel impatient sometimes, but she keeps me grounded. She's helping me to stay calm, reminding me to trust in God's timing. She really helps me in that aspect," he explained.
Malachiev, 34, carries a 14-1 MMA record and a 4-1 ONE mark into his second battle against Pacio. Even though he feels like he didn’t lose, the Dagestani is more motivated to prove that point and take the champ’s belt.
Pacio Believes Marriage Has Given Him Added Motivation
The Filipino, who was shaped by his uncle, has found a new dimension to his motivation since getting married, one that has reshaped how he thinks about what he is competing for every time he steps into the ring.
"I can say it's added motivation. I'm no longer just thinking about myself. Of course, we're two individuals, but we're one now. I'm now thinking about future plans, future children, maybe businesses," he said.
A seven-time ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion thinking beyond himself and toward a shared future with his wife brings a different kind of purpose to a title defense.
For Pacio, the belt is no longer just personal achievement. It is part of a bigger story that now includes Anna, and that added layer of meaning gives the Lions Nation MMA standout one more reason to walk out of Lumpinee Stadium on July 10 with his gold still intact.
Watch The Inner Circle 21 live on Friday, July 10, exclusively at live.onefc.com.
