Jarred Brooks believes winning interim belt could lead to Demetrious Johnson showdown
As Jarred Brooks welcomes another opportunity to reclaim the 26 pounds of gold that he once held, the American star also has something else on his mind.
'The Monkey God' has been scheduled to enter the ONE interim strawweight MMA world title tilt against No.3-ranked Gustavo Balart at ONE Fight Night 24 in U.S. primetime on August 2, and he could not be more grateful for the opportunity.
But beyond that, if he claims the belt, he ponders on his choices to face his old nemesis and divisional ruler Joshua Pacio, or climb up to challenge MMA GOAT and flyweight king Demetrious Johnson.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda MMA, Brooks explained the possibility of facing 'Mighty Mouse' in Atlanta if he secures a win over Balart.
He said:
"Yeah, I think this fight [against Balart] can set up a big fight, for sure. I just want the interim title belt after my fight before didn’t go the way it was supposed to."
Brooks added:
"Still, I’m thankful that a lot of people still see me as champion. I mean, I still have to go and prove it. But at the end of the day, that’s all that matters."
Although nothing is set in stone just yet, the possibility of witnessing Brooks going up against the MMA legend would make any fans very excited.
Jarred Brooks excited to face fellow wrestling star Gustavo Balart
American superstar Jarred Brooks and his Cuban counterpart Gustavo Balart are set to lock horns in a barnburner main event of ONE Fight Night 24 inside the Ball Arena, Colorado.
Competing for the ONE Championship interim gold, Brooks cannot hide his excitement to face another dominant wrestler in Balart, an Olympian and highly credentialed grappler.
In the same interview, Brooks said:
"We have wrestling backgrounds, and we go at a million miles an hour on our opponents. So I think that's a great counterpart to put into this production and what we're doing and what we're going to show in the fight."
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster.