Yosuke Saruta aims to end Joshua Pacio's title reign in four rounds

Yosuke Saruta vowed to come with everything he's got when he takes on Baguio City's Joshua Pacio for the ONE strawweight world title.

The world championship showdown between the two would headline "ONE: Eternal Glory" on January 19 at Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Saruta made his ONE Championship debut against ex-champion Alex Silva this past  December.

It was the bout that catapulted Saruta to contender status, after the former Shooto strawweight champion showcased a wide array of weapons in his arsenal en route to a unanimous decision victory over Silva.

"It helped me to gain confidence that I can win in an unfamiliar situation," he stated in reference to his win over Silva.

The crafty martial artist from Japan admitted to being surprised when he received the call to challenge the Filipino champion, but made it clear he was ready to get fast-tracked to a world title shot.

"I was surprised, but it will be the proof that I am the number-one mixed martial artist in the world at strawweight," said Saruta.

Saruta, who holds a mixed martial arts record of 18-8-3, had studied Pacio from the very moment he landed a spot in ONE Championship's star-studded roster of world class athletes.

He already felt familiar with Pacio's style ahead of the contest, and promised to exploit every inch of weakness in the champion's game.

"His strongest point is his striking, especially spinning kicks and his punching power. That is why I’m trying to strengthen my striking defense," Saruta revealed.

"His weak point is grappling. My grappling skill is much higher than his, so in the fight I’m planning a combination of strikes and takedowns.

"My strongest points are my physical ability and stamina I will keep moving through the whole fight, and when my opponent is getting tired, I will finish him."

With seven days left before they stand across each other inside the cage, the Japanese contender is optimistic that he could end the contest in highlight reel fashion and leave the world in awe.

"I think I will overwhelm him in all aspects, and then finish him in the fourth round," he predicted. "I want people to know my name as the toughest Japanese athlete, and I will be the world champion." — DVM, GMA News