ONE Championship will feature a highly anticipated rematch between Joshua Pacio and Mansur Malachiev on July 10, 2026, according to the organization’s announcement. The event, titled The Inner Circle 21, will occur live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
What happened
Reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will defend his title against Russian challenger Mansur Malachiev. This rematch comes after their first meeting in 2023, which Pacio won, handing Malachiev his only professional defeat. “The rematch carries World Title gold and unfinished business on both sides,” said a spokesperson from ONE Championship.
Pacio, a 30-year-old fighter from Lions Nation MMA, boasts an impressive record of 23 wins and 5 losses, including 14 victories in ONE Championship. He enters this bout on a three-fight winning streak and is known for having one of the most decorated resumes in strawweight history.
Malachiev, aged 34, represents Universal Fighters and has transformed since his loss to Pacio. Now, he holds a career record of 14-1 and has secured three consecutive victories against top-tier opponents. The rematch presents an opportunity for Malachiev to demonstrate that their previous bout was an anomaly.
Why it matters
This rematch carries significant implications for both fighters. For Pacio, a win would cement his legacy as one of the greatest strawweights in ONE Championship history. Conversely, a victory for Malachiev could establish him as a legitimate title contender, altering the trajectory of the strawweight division.
The stakes are heightened due to the fighters’ shared history, with both competitors eager to settle the score. Fans are expected to closely monitor this matchup, given its potential to reshape the championship landscape.
Background
On December 3, 2022, Pacio lost his title, leading to a dramatic comeback against Malachiev in their first encounter on May 20, 2023. Since then, Pacio reclaimed his title in 2024 and unified it in 2025. Meanwhile, Malachiev has consistently improved, necessitating this rematch as a pivotal moment in their rivalry.
What’s next
The Inner Circle 21 will take place on July 10, 2026, and fans can stream the event live at live.onefc.com. Additionally, Eduard Folayang will face Shozo Isojima on the same card, adding further excitement to the event.
