Mansur Malachiev challenges Joshua Pacio for the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle 21, streaming live for members in Asia primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, July 10. Pacio won their first encounter by unanimous decision at ONE Fight Night 15 in October 2023. Malachiev has carried a specific grievance ever since.
“I am sure that I won that fight against Pacio, but I do not understand why the judges raised his hand,” he said.
That conviction comes packaged with a genuine explanation for what went wrong. Malachiev entered the first fight with a leg injury and minimal preparation time. He stayed competitive across three rounds in compromised condition. Since then, wins over Jarred Brooks, Yosuke Saruta, and Bokang Masunyane have brought him to the rematch as a different, healthier version of himself.
“Last time, I went into the fight with a leg injury, and I had little time to prepare. This time, I was able to complete a full training camp. Now I am in full fighting condition,” he said.
Mansur Malachiev targets the belt
Mansur Malachiev enters this rematch with a clear tactical framework. Pacio strikes well; Malachiev does not dispute that. Where the Russian sees an advantage that cannot be answered is on the ground.
He has assembled everything around the specific goal of getting the fight to where Pacio cannot survive: full health, a complete camp, and a three-win build. The path runs through the takedown room.
“His strong side is his striking, but he is not very strong in wrestling, especially freestyle wrestling,” he said.
There is no hatred in his framing of this rematch. He respects Pacio. He simply believes the belt is his.
“There is no revenge for me. Pacio is a good, humble guy. The belt is the goal I have been striving for,” he said.
“In this fight, I am determined to prove that I did not lose the previous bout. I intend to win the belt that I believe should have become mine.”
