“I found that love again” - Jarred Brooks is compelled to take his jiu-jitsu game to the next level thanks to coach
Former ONE strawweight MMA world champion and current first-ranked contender 'The Monkey God' Jarred Brooks of the United States has always taken pride in being a complete fighter.
After all, as one of the best mixed martial artists in the world, Brooks is dangerous in all areas, be it in his standup game or on the ground.
But admittedly, the 31-year-old Mash Fight Team representative says he hasn't focused too much on jiu-jitsu since he poured all of his effort in becoming the best wrestler he could be.
That all changed now, and he has his coach to thank.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post in a recent interview, Brooks says he has rediscovered his passion for 'the gentle art'.
'The Monkey God' said:
"When I was young, when I was like 10-11, years old, I was really good at jiu-jitsu and I just stopped because of wrestling, but now I found that love again, and I thank [coach] Alex Cody for that too."
Brooks is set to lock horns with no.3-ranked 'El Gladiador' Gustavo Balart 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.
Jarred Brooks is laser-focused on beating Gustavo Balart: "I have a target, and I got to knock it down"
Jarred Brooks is fully dialled in to his upcoming world title showdown with Gustavo Balart at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video.
He knows exactly what he's going to do when he finally steps into the ring with the former Cuban Olympian.
Brooks told SCMP MMA:
"I'm going to keep my space. I'm going to understand where he's at at all times. And I have a target and I got to knock it down."