MMA: Jeremy Pacatiw willing to risk ranking against dangerous debutant
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MMA: Jeremy Pacatiw willing to risk ranking against dangerous debutant
ABS-CBN News
Published Jun 23, 2025 05:48 PM PHT
Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw. Photo handout/ONE Championship.MANILA — Risk and reward rarely come in perfect packages, but Jeremy "The Juggernaut" Pacatiw understands that calculated gambles are essential for climbing the bantamweight MMA ladder.
Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw. Photo handout/ONE Championship.MANILA — Risk and reward rarely come in perfect packages, but Jeremy "The Juggernaut" Pacatiw understands that calculated gambles are essential for climbing the bantamweight MMA ladder.The #5-ranked contender faces undefeated Russian Elbek Alyshov at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on August 2 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, in what represents a high-stakes proposition for the Lions Nation MMA representative.
The #5-ranked contender faces undefeated Russian Elbek Alyshov at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on August 2 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, in what represents a high-stakes proposition for the Lions Nation MMA representative.
On paper, the matchup carries a significant downside for Pacatiw.
On paper, the matchup carries a significant downside for Pacatiw.
A loss to an unranked opponent who’s making his debut will definitely have him lose his ranking in the division. On the flipside, a victory might not even move the needle that much for him in his rise to the top.
A loss to an unranked opponent who’s making his debut will definitely have him lose his ranking in the division. On the flipside, a victory might not even move the needle that much for him in his rise to the top.
Still, the method behind the madness isn’t that complicated. It’s all about staying active.
Still, the method behind the madness isn’t that complicated. It’s all about staying active.
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"This is a risky fight. I'm facing a debuting opponent and I'm already [in] the top five so there's a risk involved there, but I'm taking it as a challenge. I'm looking at it as me protecting my space from a newcomer. And I know that if I win here, I might get another shot at those ranked higher than me," Pacatiw said.
"This is a risky fight. I'm facing a debuting opponent and I'm already [in] the top five so there's a risk involved there, but I'm taking it as a challenge. I'm looking at it as me protecting my space from a newcomer. And I know that if I win here, I might get another shot at those ranked higher than me," Pacatiw said.
The Filipino veteran's willingness to take the fight stems from his understanding that inactivity can be more dangerous than taking a difficult matchup.
The Filipino veteran's willingness to take the fight stems from his understanding that inactivity can be more dangerous than taking a difficult matchup.
"I might be facing someone who's only debuting, but I want to stay active, so I didn't really think twice in taking the fight because I want to keep pushing," he said.
"I might be facing someone who's only debuting, but I want to stay active, so I didn't really think twice in taking the fight because I want to keep pushing," he said.
Alyshov might be bringing a legitimate threat with his 8-0 record, but Pacatiw views the challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate his championship mettle.
Alyshov might be bringing a legitimate threat with his 8-0 record, but Pacatiw views the challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate his championship mettle.
"There's risks of course but what's life without risks? Because if I win here, I'm back once more on the right track," he said.
"There's risks of course but what's life without risks? Because if I win here, I'm back once more on the right track," he said.
For Pacatiw, this fight represents more than just protecting his ranking – it's about proving that his championship aspirations remain intact despite recent setbacks.
For Pacatiw, this fight represents more than just protecting his ranking – it's about proving that his championship aspirations remain intact despite recent setbacks.
"It's hard to predict but all I can say is I'll be ready wherever this fight goes, and I'll have my hands raised after this bout," he said.
"It's hard to predict but all I can say is I'll be ready wherever this fight goes, and I'll have my hands raised after this bout," he said.
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