​For reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, deep faith and his professional martial arts career have long formed the twin pillars of his identity. When he found a lifelong partner who shared that exact foundation, the rest naturally fell into place. Now, the Filipino superstar returns to the global stage as a newly married man, ready to defend his twenty-six pounds of gold against the dangerous Russian contender Mansur Malachiev at The Inner Circle 21. The much-anticipated World Title rematch will stream exclusively on live.onefc.com in Asia primetime on Friday, July 10, from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
As the most decorated strawweight in ONE Championship history, Pacio has proudly held the crown across three historic reigns. He has faced devastating losses, endured grueling injuries, and overcome a gauntlet of elite rivals to remain the division’s undisputed king. Behind the scenes, the 30-year-old champion was quietly supported by his longtime partner, Anna Galleo. Their relationship has remained away from the spotlight for years, cherished privately by two people content in their own world.
Exchanging vows in their hometown of Baguio City last December marked more than a personal milestone; it was a powerful affirmation of what Pacio has always carried in his heart. “The Passion” shared with onefc.com: “I think we both have a strong relationship with God. That’s the most important part. Having a God-centered relationship was the key factor, and we decided to get married.”
Married life has brought a deep, positive shift to Pacio’s demanding training routine. Elite athletes guard their preparation fiercely, protecting every variable from sleep and nutrition to recovery and mental load. Pacio carried that heavy burden alone early in his career, and while that solitary hustle helped him reach the mountaintop, it grew increasingly taxing at the sport’s highest level. Having a devoted partner who shares the weight of his journey changes everything. When the daily details are handled with care, a fighter can focus entirely on his craft.
“She’s been a godsend for me, especially in my career. She helps with my meal plan, cooks for me every day. She makes this training camp easier,” Pacio explained. “Before, when I was single, I still had to cook after training. Now I can focus on training and recovery because she takes care of me.”
Beyond physical preparation, managing the emotional weight of a World Championship camp requires its own mastery. Pacio’s deep passion is what makes him a generational great, and that raw intensity is what continues to fuel his pursuit of excellence.