"He can fight smarter" - Lito Adiwang explains why Jarred Brooks can overcome Gustavo Balart's Olympic-level wrestling
Jarred Brooks faces a complicated issue when he returns in the main event of ONE Fight Night 24.
Whilst the former ONE strawweight world champion is always working to improve his overall game, his skill set has been on display ever since he signed with the promotion.
'The Monkey God' has been able to effectively use his pace and pressure combined with his takedowns and grappling prowess to dominate opponents.
However, on August 2 at Lumpinee Stadium, he comes up against Gustavo Balart where one man will leave with the interim world championship.
Due to Balart's wrestling pedigree, it may be difficult for Brooks to implement his heavy grappling style but a former opponent of his doesn't see this being a major obstacle for him.
Lito Adiwang welcomed the American contender to the Circle back in 2021 and as he revealed in a recent interview with Sportskeeda MMA, he believes that Brooks has more ways to win this fight:
"But if [wrestling] only the game, they're gonna be evenly matched. But this is MMA. This is how I really see Brooks' edges shining through. He can fight smarter, and he'll have faster transitions. He has more transitions that he can do. If he gets Gustavo's back then he has more options."
Jarred Brooks needs to show his versatility in this fight
The improvements he has made to his overall game could be crucial for Jarred Brooks in this fight.
Gustavo Balart may have power in his hands and some dynamic striking but make no mistake about it, he's a wrestling specialist.
Competing with Balart in this field is not a great path to victory and Brooks will be well aware of this.
He may still look to engage with takedowns but you can be sure that he will look to make this an MMA contest in every aspect where possible.
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US Primetime, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.