Most fighters keep away from harmful newcomers when their rating hangs within the steadiness. However Jeremy Pacatiw sees alternative the place others discover danger.
Pacatiw faces undefeated Elbek Alyshov at ONE Combat Night time 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on Prime Video on Friday, August 1, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The #5-ranked bantamweight MMA fighter enters coming off a unanimous resolution loss to Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at ONE Combat Night time 29 in April.
One other setback might derail the Filipino’s ONE Championship title run fully. However stress has by no means fazed the Lions Nation MMA consultant who constructed his fame taking calculated gambles all through his profession.
From representing the Philippines in kickboxing on the Southeast Asian Video games to his globe-trotting skilled journey by means of Brazil, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, Pacatiw thrives when stakes are highest. That adventurous spirit served him properly contained in the ring, the place he’s collected spectacular victories in opposition to high quality opposition.
The Baguio Metropolis native understands precisely what going through Alyshov represents. The 26-year-old Azerbaijani brings an ideal 7-0 file that includes six submission victories, principally through guillotine choke. His starvation and harmful floor sport make him a nightmare matchup for any established contender.
But Pacatiw embraces the problem that comes with defending his place in opposition to somebody with nothing to lose. Win, and he strikes nearer to these ranked above him. Lose, and his title hopes endure one other devastating blow.
“This can be a dangerous struggle. I’m going through a debuting opponent and I’m already within the prime 5 so there’s a danger concerned there however I’m taking it as a problem. I’m it as me defending my area from a newcomer, and I do know that if I win right here, I’d get one other shot at these ranked larger than me,” he stated.
“There are dangers in fact however what’s life with out dangers? As a result of if I win right here I’m again as soon as extra heading in the right direction.”
