Lito Adiwang believes Dagestani beast Mansur Malachiev no match for Jarred Brooks’ ‘American wrestling’
Lito Adiwang explained why he thinks Mansur Malachiev's wrestling won't prevail against Jarred Brooks.
On October 4, Malachiev made a massive statement in the ONE strawweight MMA division by defeating Bokang Masunyane. Although it's unconfirmed by ONE, many people have called for Malachiev to take on Brooks, the interim strawweight title holder, to decide who challenges reigning world champion Joshua Pacio.
During an interview with Sportskeeda, ONE strawweight MMA contender Lito Adiwang was asked about the potential matchup between Malachiev and Brooks. He responded by saying:
"I’ll go back to Jarred’s pace and transitions. Brooks’ American wrestling will prevail against Mansur’s Dagestani wrestling because of the transitions. I saw that Mansur’s wrestling is pure power. If he doesn’t get the finish, he’ll let go, stand back up, and shoot again. On the other hand, when Brooks shoots and he gets a hold of you, he will immediately go for a transition."
Mansur Malachiev solidified his spot as the number two-ranked ONE strawweight MMA contender. Meanwhile, Jarred Brooks' recent win against Gustavo Balart made him the number one contender and interim title holder.
As for Lito Adiwang, the entertaining strawweight is coming off three consecutive wins, including a unanimous decision against Danial Williams last time out. 'Thunder Kid' now looks to take on a top-five opponent in his next fight.
Is Jarred Brooks vs. Mansur Malachiev the fight to make?
Joshua Pacio regained the ONE strawweight MMA world title due to a disqualification against Jarred Brooks in March. ONE Championship planned to book the trilogy bout between the world-class fighters before Pacio suffered a torn ACL in training, creating a need for an interim title.
Pacio likely won't fight again until early 2025. Therefore, Brooks might want to stay active against another opponent, especially considering he suffered minimal damage against Gustavo Balart in August.
If Brooks does want to fight again, Malachiev has earned the opportunity to challenge for the interim strawweight strap. It should be noted that ONE Championship might not be interested in the matchup to ensure the must-see trilogy bout between Brooks and Pacio isn't affected.
Malachiev also has a history with Pacio, as the latter secured a unanimous decision win in their October 2023 meeting.