"During the difficult moments, I think of them" - Gustavo Balart says family keeps him going through the ups and downs of MMA
When Gustavo Balart steps inside the Circle, he does so with a strong motivator and inspiration fueling him.
The 37-year old Cuban athlete has achieved a lot of success in his career and that's a testament to his work ethic.
Balart is still working hard to ensure that he stays at the top of the strawweight division and next time out, he could be set for his biggest fight to date.
An interim strawweight champion will be crowned in the main event of ONE Fight Night 24 as Balart takes on former champ Jarred Brooks at Lumpinee Stadium.
Whilst it could be a tough test for both men, 'El Gladiador' knows that when times get tough, his family are always right there with him.
In a recent interview with ONE Championship, he spoke about his need and want to provide for his loved ones who always spur him on in testing moments.
You can be sure that they will be on his mind when he makes the walk on August 2:
"They depend on what I do at that moment. They depend on my effort. During the fight when I am tired, during the difficult moments, I think of them. I think of how important it is that I win the fight for them."
Gustavo Balart is coming to seize the throne
Gustavo Balart knows what this opportunity could mean for him and his family.
Had the champion Joshua Pacio not sustained a significant injury, Brooks would have likely faced him in a huge trilogy fight for the title.
Balart is a new addition to the title picture but he isn't coming to make up the numbers on August 2 and keep Brooks busy.
He has the chance to cement himself as the interim champion and change his trajectory in the sport.
With the support of his family behind him, Balart is a dangerous man indeed.
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US Primetime, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.