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Pacio-Suzuki rematch set for One's 2019 opener

Joshua Pacio faces Hayato Suzuki again., this time for his belt. One Championship (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANDALUYONG--Joshua Pacio will stake his One strawweight title right at the start of the said mixed martial arts promotion's 2019 season against a familiar foe.

Pacio will face Japan's Hayato Suzuki in a huge rematch that will headline One: Eternal Glory at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta on Jan. 19.

For Pacio, however, it is not just about defending his belt as he gets a chance to avenge his defeat to Suzuki in their last meeting.

Suzuki, who was just debuting at One in August last year, pulled off a stunner by beating Pacio by a rear naked choke submission. He won his last three matches by the same stoppage.

However, the Japanese pugilist will face a vastly improved Pacio, who avenged his defeat to Yoshitaka Naito last September to claim the One strawweight championship.

The full fight card of One: Eternal Glory will be revealed at a later date.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno