"Make it easier for the judges" - Mansur Malachiev vows to put on a better display if he runs it back with Joshua Pacio
Fifth-ranked strawweight MMA contender Mansur Malachiev vows to put on a better showing should he secure an opportunity to run it back with divisional king Joshua Pacio.
The Russian wants a chance to redeem himself against the ONE strawweight MMA world champion after securing his second consecutive win at ONE Fight Night 25 inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Malachiev toppled Bokang Masunyane across their three-round contest this past Friday, Oct. 4, putting his grappling and striking to good use to wear down the No.2-ranked South African athlete. All three judges at ringside awarded him the victory for another impressive showing.
Speaking to Nick Atkin shortly after his win, Mansur Malachiev noted:
"Next time, if I fight with him, I'll make sure to make it easier for the judges to give me the victory."
The Industrial Fighters affiliate met Pacio at ONE Fight Night 15 in October last year. Though he put on a fine display and dragged 'The Passion' into deep waters, the latter relied on his solid all-around arsenal to frustrate him throughout their 15-minute tie.
Pacio is currently recovering from a torn ACL. In light of his injury, the promotion pitted Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart in a ONE interim strawweight MMA world title matchup this past August. That evening, 'The Monkey God' claimed the provisional strap via a first-round submission.
Watch the full interview here:
Mansur Malachiev might have to get past a couple more tests before securing Joshua Pacio rematch
Though his confidence is sky-high following an impressive showing against Masunyane at ONE Fight Night 25, Mansur Malachiev would certainly have his hands full as he forges his path to the division's 26 pounds of gold.
There is a possibility that the 32-year-old could be paired against No.4-ranked Hiroba Minowa or No.3-ranked Gustavo Balart next.
Should he clear either or both men and if Pacio's return hits any further setbacks, the Dagestani sensation might find himself in a world title fixture against interim king Brooks instead.
Mansur Malachiev's win over Masunyane at ONE Fight Night 25 can be watched for free via replay on Amazon Prime Video for active subscribers in the United States and Canada.