The Decisive Triumph: Pacio vs. Brooks III
On Thursday night, Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks stepped into the circular cage for the highly anticipated third act of their strawweight trilogy at ONE 171 in Lusail, Qatar. The stakes were astronomically high, with the unification of the strawweight belt hanging in the balance. This time, there was no room for controversy as Pacio emerged victorious via a TKO in the second round, decisively silencing any lingering doubts from their previous encounters. The UFC veteran Brooks, known for his aggressive grappling, started strong, immediately seeking to take Pacio down and nearly finishing the fight with D’arce choke and guillotine attempts. However, Pacio’s resilience and tactical savvy were on full display as he weathered the storm and turned the tide in his favor.
Pacio’s Comeback and Resilience
Pacio’s journey to this victory has been nothing short of remarkable. After losing a closely contested decision to Brooks in December 2022, Pacio faced the psychological and physical challenges of a championship loss. But the Filipino star rebounded with a DQ win in their subsequent rematch. Now, with a clean TKO victory, Pacio has solidified his position as a dominant force in the strawweight division. His record now stands at 23-4, with an impressive 14 wins out of 18 appearances in the ONE Championship since 2016. Pacio’s performance in this trilogy showcases his ability to adapt, improve, and overcome adversity, traits that are essential for any top-tier fighter. Meanwhile, Brooks, despite his strong performances and valiant efforts, now holds a 5-3 record under the ONE banner, highlighting the competitive nature of the strawweight division.
Jonathan Haggerty’s Dominance in Kickboxing
In the co-main event, Jonathan Haggerty of the UK continued his impressive run by defeating China’s Wei Rui via unanimous decision in a kickboxing match. Haggerty, known for his lightning-fast strikes and tactical precision, proved too much for Rui, who struggled to find an answer to the Brit’s relentless pressure and accuracy. This victory further cements Haggerty’s status as one of the rising stars in the kickboxing world and sets him up for potential title opportunities in the future. His consistent performances and growing fan base make him a formidable opponent for any fighter in his division.
Roberto Soldic’s Knockout Artistry
Roberto Soldic of Croatia added another highlight to his illustrious career by knocking out Dagi Arslanaliev in just 1:55 of the first round. Soldic’s powerful strikes and impeccable timing were on full display as he caught Arslanaliev with a devastating combination that put the Russian fighter down for the count. This knockout not only showcases Soldic’s striking prowess but also his ability to capitalize on openings and deliver a decisive finish. With this win, Soldic continues to build his case as a top contender in his weight class, and his future in ONE Championship looks promising.
Shamil Gasanov’s Tactical Triumph Over Martin Nguyen
In a compelling match-up, Shamil Gasanov of Russia emerged victorious over Martin Nguyen, the former ONE Featherweight World Champion, via unanimous decision. Gasanov, known for his well-rounded skill set and tactical awareness, was able to control the fight’s pace and frustrate Nguyen with his superior wrestling and grappling. Nguyen, a decorated featherweight contender, found himself on the defensive for much of the bout, unable to impose his striking game. Gasanov’s win solidifies his position as a rising star in the division, and it will be interesting to see where this victory takes him in the rankings.
A Night of Knockouts and Submissions
The ONE 171 card was filled with exciting finishes, starting with Shamil Erdogan’s lightning-fast knockout of Aung La N Sang in just 28 seconds of the first round. Erdogan’s precision and power were evident as he landed a perfect combination that caught Sang off guard and ended the fight before it could even begin. Another highlight was Kade Ruotolo’s submission win over Nicolas Vigna via arm-triangle choke in the first round. Ruotolo, a young grappler with a growing reputation, showcased his skills and mental fortitude, demonstrating why he is coderensid one of the sport’s future stars.
International Showdowns and Rising Talents
The event featured several international showdowns, each highlighting the global nature of ONE Championship. Ayaka Miura of Japan secured a submission win over Ritu Phogat of India via kneebar in the first round, a result that was both swift and decisive. This victory not only adds to Miura’s already impressive record but also showcases the depth of talent in Japan’s MMA scene. Similarly, Zayed Alkatheeri of the UAE took down Mohammad Aburumuh of Jordan via armbar in the first round, demonstrating the rising prominence of Middle Eastern fighters in the sport. The grappling match between Abdullah Khodzhaev and Wilian Poles also ended with a TKO in the first round, further emphasizing the importance of ground skills in mixed martial arts.
Future Implications and Looking Ahead
With Pacio’s decisive victory over Brooks, the strawweight division now seems more stable, but the competition is far from over. Pacio’s next challenge will be to defend his unified belt against emerging contenders who are eager to dethrone him. The night’s other winners, such as Haggerty, Soldic, Gasanov, and Ruotolo, have also solidified their positions in their respective divisions, setting the stage for future title fights and high-stakes matchups. ONE Championship continues to draw the best talent from around the world, and the results from ONE 171 only highlight the organization’s commitment to showcasing exciting and competitive fights. As the dust settles on this event, fans and fighters alike will be eagerly watching the landscape of MMA and kickboxing in the upcoming months.
