“This is an exciting development” - Joshua Pacio says ONE Fight Arena mobile game the right direction for the promotion
ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio is excited to see ONE Championship venture into the world of video games through its ONE Fight Arena mobile game. He said it is a step in the right direction and adds new dimension to the promotion.
ONE Fight Arena is a game officially licensed by ONE Championship and blends puzzle gaming and strategic combat. It features immersive online battles among a selection of ONE superstars, each with unique skills and fighting styles, which fans can tap in a realtime multiplayer fighting game.
The game is part of ONE's push to diverse its offering to global fans through what it describes as a "unique gaming experience."
Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA, Joshua Pacio gave his take on the newly introduced gaming app, expressing excitement over its potential to improve ONE as an organization as well as enhance the dynamics between fighters and fans.
The Lions Nation MMA standout said:
"This is an exciting development not only for the fans but also for us athletes. To see ourselves as part of next-gen gaming exprience where fans can truly own in-game assets is incredible. It makes the bond between fighters and fans even stronger."
ONE Fight Arena is available as a free-to-play mobile game on Google Play and Apple's App Store.
Joshua Pacio vows to heal up and complete unfinished business with Jarred Brooks
Joshua Pacio may have added activity to do as he continues to recover from knee injury with ONE Fight Arena but he has vowed to heal up and complete his unfinished business with American rival Jarred Brooks.
'The Passion' is out indefinitely after tearing his meniscus. He injured himself as he was preparing for his title rematch with Brooks back in March Qatar.
Pacio still push through with the contest despite his condition and reclaimed the ONE strawweight MMA belt after 'The Monkey God' was disqualified for executing an illegal slam in the opening round that saw the Filipino champion hit the canvas head first.
Apart from suffering a cervicomuscular strain in his neck because of the incident, his ACL injury was also revealed, moving him and his team to go for surgery on his knee. He is expected to be out until the first half of next year.
But Joshua Pacio highlighted that primary for him when he is back and healthy is to take on Brooks in a trilogy title fight. He took to Instagram to make this known, writing:
"Congratulations @the_monkeygod for that 1st round submission. And for your Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Happy for you man. 15 years of jiu-jitsu grinding paid off. I'll heal up and I'll see you soon!"
In the absence of Pacio, ONE decided to hold an interim strawweight MMA championship fight last month, which Brooks won by first-round submission of Gustavo Balart of Cuba.