“I can easily read his movements” - Lito Adiwang says he has always wanted to fight Gustavo Balart

Highly regarded ONE Championship strawweight 'Thunder Kid' Lito Adiwang of the Philippines admits he has long wanted to face third-ranked contender 'El Gladiador' Gustavo Balart, although the fight had never materialized.

Now, Balart is ready for his first opportunity at ONE Championship gold, and Adiwang wants to share one major observation he has had of the former Cuban Olympian.

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Adiwang told Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview:

"That’s one of the reasons why I want to face him because I can easily read his movements. I can easily get into his range and counter his strikes if we ever fight inside the cage."

'El Gladiador' Gustavo Balart is set to face former strawweight MMA king 'The Monkey God' Jarred Brooks for the ONE interim strawweight MMA world title in the main event at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video.

The event broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, August 2nd.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates on the event as it happens.

Gustavo Balart says he has advantage over Jarred Brooks in one key area: "My striking is better than his"

Former Cuban Olympian 'El Gladiador' Gustavo Balart believes he will have the upper hand against 'The Monkey God' Jarred Brooks when they lock horns at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video.

The 37-year-old says ONE Championship gold is within reach, and he's confident he can defeat the American star next week.

He told ONE:

"When he tries to do that [takedowns] to me and realizes that he cannot do it, he will also find out my striking is better than his. It will be the end for him."