Most professional fighters face the challenge of maintaining focus during fight camp while managing the demands of daily life. But for Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw, the preparation for his bantamweight MMA clash with Elbek Alyshov has taken on an entirely different dimension.
As the Filipino striker prepares for ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis, which airs live in U.S. primetime on Friday, August 1, from Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium, he’s not just training for victory inside the ring – he’s preparing for his newborn son and growing family.
The timing couldn’t be more significant for the 29-year-old, who finds himself navigating the delicate balance between elite athletic preparation and supporting his wife as they care for their new baby boy. It’s a challenge that has added meaning to every aspect of his training camp and life.
A New Kind Of Excitement
For an athlete accustomed to the adrenaline rush of competition, Pacatiw has discovered that fatherhood brings an entirely different kind of excitement – one that transcends anything he’s experienced inside the ring.
The Filipino bantamweight can barely contain his enthusiasm when discussing his first child, a son who has forever changed his perspective on what it means to fight for something greater than himself.
Pacatiw said:
“Of course I’m happy and excited, I [had] a baby boy. I’m excited to take good care of him. There will be adjustments in our lives, but it’s a good one to have. I’m excited.”
The reality of becoming a father while maintaining the demanding schedule of a professional fighter has presented unique challenges that extend far beyond the typical pressures of fight camp. Sleep deprivation, typically reserved for the final weeks of intense preparation, has become a daily reality as he and his wife navigate the uncertainties of raising their first child.
For most fighters, the physical demands of training camp represent the greatest obstacle to overcome. But Pacatiw has discovered that the mental and emotional preparation for fatherhood requires an entirely different kind of endurance – one that tests his ability to remain focused on his craft while his heart and mind are increasingly drawn to thoughts of his growing family.
He said:
“There are struggles of course. The lack of sleep, the fight is coming up, and there are only two of us in the household, me and my wife. So those are the things that are on my mind.”
Despite the challenges, Pacatiw approaches fatherhood with the same mixture of determination and joy that has characterized his fighting career. Raising a son has opened up new emotional territory for the seasoned martial artist.
The transition from individual competitor to father has forced him to confront new realities about responsibility and purpose. Where once his focus centered entirely on his own development and career advancement, Pacatiw now finds himself planning for a future that extends far beyond his time in the ring.
Pacatiw said:
“When our baby [grows], he better be behaved and cooperative (laughs). But in all seriousness, this is a different sphere for me. I can’t describe my excitement because I’m starting my own little family now. Just grateful and excited.”
The Power Of Partnership
Behind every successful fighter stands a strong support system, but for Pacatiw, that support has taken on a profound new meaning. His wife Marj became a mother while he pursues World Championship glory thousands of miles from home.
The decision to accept the fight against the undefeated Alyshov wasn’t made in isolation. It required careful consideration and open communication between partners who understood the stakes – both professional and personal – involved in competing at the highest level while starting a family.
Pacatiw said:
“I’m lucky to have such a strong and supportive wife by my side. Before taking this fight, I laid everything on the table for her. We really talked about it as partners and we decided if it would be possible for me to take this fight. She said, ‘Yes.’ She told me, ‘We can work this out,’ and that’s why I can’t be any more grateful to have a wife like her that’s so supportive and understanding.”
The partnership extends beyond emotional support to practical adjustments that ensure both his training and their relationship receive the attention they deserve. Pacatiw has restructured his entire approach to training, eliminating distractions and maximizing the quality time he spends with his wife and newborn son during this crucial period.
This disciplined approach reflects the maturity of a fighter who understands that success in the ring is inseparable from harmony at home. For Pacatiw, the support of his wife has become the foundation upon which his entire preparation rests, requiring him to balance the demands of fighting at the highest level with the needs of parenthood.
He said:
“Now it’s all up to me to still find a balance and still spend quality time with her, resting and training to the best of my abilities. During training, it just has to be training. After gym, no more side trips, I head straight home and that’s where I rest and recover.”
