The Inspiring Journey of an Ince Footballer: From Grassroots to Glory

I remember watching Lito Adiwang’s early fights in the local circuits—the raw energy, the hunger in his eyes. Back then, you could already tell he was something special. Fast forward to today, and his journey mirrors what many aspiring fighters dream of: The Inspiring Journey of an Ince Footballer: From Grassroots to Glory. Okay, maybe not a footballer, but the spirit is the same. It’s about starting from nothing, grinding through the ranks, and facing giants when you get to the top. And right now, that’s exactly where his teammate, ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio, finds himself.

Adiwang recently shared his thoughts on Pacio’s upcoming title unification bout against interim champion Jarred Brooks, and honestly, his outlook isn’t what I expected. He’s not too optimistic about Pacio’s chances. As someone who’s followed both fighters closely, that caught me off guard. Adiwang, known for his explosive striking and relentless pace, usually radiates confidence. But here he is, pointing out the stylistic nightmare Brooks presents. "Joshua has the heart and skills," Adiwang mentioned in an interview last week, "but Brooks’ wrestling and pressure could dictate the fight." It’s a classic clash of styles, and Adiwang believes Brooks might just have the edge.

Let’s rewind a bit. Joshua Pacio, one of the Philippines’ most decorated MMA exports, has held the ONE Championship strawweight title since 2019, with a few bumps along the way. He’s defended it against top contenders, showcasing a well-rounded game that blends wushu-based striking with improving grappling. But Jarred Brooks? He’s a different beast. The American wrestler bulldozed his way through the division, earning the interim belt with a dominant win over Bokang Masunyane. Brooks hasn’t just won fights; he’s smothered opponents, making them look ordinary. I’ve watched his last three bouts, and each time, his control on the ground left me impressed—and a little worried for anyone standing across from him.

Adiwang’s skepticism isn’t just locker-room chatter; it’s rooted in observation. He trains with Pacio at the legendary Team Lakay in Baguio, so he’s seen the preparations firsthand. "We’ve been working on takedown defense and scrambles," Adiwang noted, "but Brooks is relentless. He doesn’t give you space to breathe." From my own experience covering combat sports, that’s the key here. Fighters like Brooks thrive on suffocating their opponents, turning five-minute rounds into eternity. Pacio’s best shot? Keeping it standing and landing those crisp combinations. But if Brooks closes the distance, it could be a long night. Adiwang estimates Pacio’s chances at around 40%, which feels harsh but realistic given Brooks’ 75% takedown accuracy in his ONE career.

What strikes me most is how this reflects the broader narrative in MMA—the rise of wrestlers who can neutralize flashy strikers. Brooks represents that new wave, and Pacio, for all his brilliance, might be facing his kryptonite. I’ve always been a fan of underdogs, and part of me wants Pacio to defy the odds, to pull off a stunning knockout that reminds us why we love this sport. But Adiwang’s cautionary tone lingers. He’s been in the cage himself, felt the pressure, and his insight carries weight. "Joshua needs a perfect game plan," he emphasized, "and maybe a bit of luck."

Looking back at The Inspiring Journey of an Ince Footballer: From Grassroots to Glory, it’s not just about climbing the ladder; it’s about surviving at the summit. Pacio’s path from a young prospect in the Philippines to world champion is a testament to resilience, much like Adiwang’s own rise. But in fights like this, legacy is on the line. If Pacio wins, he cements his status as one of the greats. If Brooks prevails, it could signal a changing of the guard. Adiwang’s pessimism might seem like a downer, but it’s a reminder of how brutal this sport can be. As fight night approaches, I’ll be rooting for Pacio, hoping he proves us wrong. Because in the end, that’s what makes MMA so captivating—the unpredictability, the drama, the sheer will to overcome. Whatever happens, this unification bout will be one for the history books.