Jarred Brooks has no regret calling out legend Demetrious Johnson: “I tried to do it respectfully”
Jarred Brooks meant no disrespect in his constant callouts of flyweight great Demetrious Johnson.
After rising to the top of the strawweight division, 'The Monkey God' was hellbent on throwing handles with one of his MMA idols. Unfortunately, a scrap between Brooks and Johnson no longer appears possible after 'Mighty Mouse' announced at ONE 168: Denver that he had officially retired from the sport, laying down his ONE flyweight MMA world championship in the process.
Speaking with BODYSLAM.NET, Jarred Brooks made it clear that he has nothing but love for the multi-time world champion and was simply shooting his shot with the trash-talk.
"I hope the callouts weren't too disrespectful," Brooks said. "But, damn, you gotta try to get fights right? And I tried to do it respectfully. And that didn't work. I was in the same realm with Demetrious Johnson. Why would I not do that?"
He added:
"Demetrious is the best of all time. And thank you so much for everything you've done in mixed martial arts and for me. He's the legend of legends."
If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE 168: Denver replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.
Jarred Brooks is "excited" to take on Joshua Pacio again
After surrendering the ONE strawweight MMA world title via an unfortunate opening round disqualification against Joshua Pacio at ONE 166: Qatar, 'The Monkey God' bounced back with a submission victory over streaking standout Gustavo Balart to claim the interim ONE strawweight MMA title.
That victory guarantees an opportunity to once again run it back against 'The Passion' in what will undoubtedly be the most anticipated trilogy fight in ONE Championship history.
Pacio is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL, but as soon as he's given the go-ahead to resume training, Pacio vs. Brooks 3 will undoubtedly be on ONE Championship's docket.
Until then, 'The Monkey God' will be patiently waiting.
"I don't know how big the ACL tear was, but I'm super excited to go against Joshua Pacio again. He's a great Christian, a great person, and a great fighter."
Are you excited to see Pacio and Brooks step inside the Circle for a third and final time?