"I've pushed myself across my boundaries" - Jarred Brooks willing to defend interim belt if he defeats Gustavo Balart
Former strawweight MMA world champion Jarred Brooks believes a trilogy with Joshua Pacio is inevitable if he claims the interim strap at ONE Fight Night 24. However, since 'The Passion' is currently dealing with the injury bug, Brooks understands if their unfinished business will be put on hold.
'The Monkey God' will look to collect 26 pounds of gold back in his possession on August 2 when he collides with Gustavo Balart inside the hallowed grounds of Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The American wrestler is confident that he'll get his hand raised and is already looking ahead to what's next.
Jarred Brooks told Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview:
"I want to gain the interim gold and I'm ready to put it on the line against anyone before Joshua Pacio comes back."
Brooks, of course, lost his crown to Pacio at ONE 166 last March via disqualification. The Filipino, however, was sidelined by a knee injury and is out indefinitely.
Despite the uncertainty that Brooks faces, he will embrace these challenges head-on like he always does.
The Mash Fight Team standout added:
"I've pushed myself across my boundaries. I've pushed myself into the pits and most uncomfortable positions, so this is why I said I'll bring a different version of 'The Monkey God' here."
Jarred Brooks says Gustavo Balart fights bigger than his size
Jarred Brooks always knew that he'd one day cross paths with the streaking Gustavo Balart.
The Cuban firecracker has won four in a row, using his Olympic wrestling pedigree to overwhelm the opposition, despite being one of the shortest fighters in the promotion at just 4-foot-11.
In the same interview, Brooks commended how 'El Gladiador' doesn't let his height disadvantage slow him down one bit:
"Some people say it's not the size of the boat, but the motion of the ocean. And yeah, this definitely applies to him. He's got good motion and he always puts in the work, the discipline, and things needed for winning."
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US primetime, free of charge for those with a Prime Video subscription in North America.