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| Joshua Pacio will defend his One strawweight title against another Filipino in Rene Catalan. One Championship (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--A world title fight pitting two Filipinos, a rarity in combat sports in general, will take place right in front of the devout Filipino MMA fans on Nov. 8.
Joshua Pacio will defend his One Championship strawweight title against compatriot Rene Catalan in the main event of One: Masters of Fate at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay as officially announced on Monday.
It will be North vs. South and youth vs. experience in the fight card's headliner as the 23-year-old Baguio-based Pacio will stake his belt against the 40-year-old former national wushu champ Catalan from Iloilo City.
Catalan is on a tear after dropping two of his first three MMA fights all under One, the other being a no contest, winning his last six matches.
The streak earned Catalan a world title shot, but it will come against a fellow Filipino in Pacio, who is on his second reign as champion.
In the co-main event, Eduard Folayang will begin his road to redemption against Mongolian opponent Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu.
On the other hand, Geje Eustaquio will face Toni Tauru in an anticipated rematch.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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