Lito Adiwang says Gustavo Balart's improved striking has come a long way: "I followed his career"
Jarred Brooks' former foe, Lito Adiwang, has nothing but good things to say about Gustavo Balart's fighting evolution in ONE Championship.
Adiwang, like many others, is curious to see how the anticipated main event between Brooks and Balart at ONE Fight Night 24 plays out on Aug. 2.
The Filipino stalwart previously fought Brooks back in November 2021, so he has some intelligent insight to share regarding Balart's chances of beating the dominant superstar.
Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA, Adiwang explained:
"But I saw Balart's improvement, I followed his career at ONE Championship, and I saw how he has improved his striking, he sets his strength on his boxing and of course his wrestling. It's just that, those are the only things that can be considered his strengths against Brooks."
There are many possibilities as to how this fight could end. Both Brooks and Balart are fairly matched in terms of their wrestling pedigrees. But the differences can probably be found in the delivery of their striking game.
Brooks is bringing in the Muay Thai with some kicks, punches, and level changes. Balart is more explosive and fights at close range to throw in the overhands.
If Brooks is caught off-guard with one of those hooks, the tables can turn in Balart's favor.
However, no one can deny how fantastic this matchup is, especially when both men can dig deep late into their fights.
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US Primetime, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
"My job is to try to be the new champion" - Strawweight rising star Gustavo Balart is determined to fight for his dreams as the new world champion of his division
ONE strawweight rising star Gustavo Balart believes wholeheartedly that if you work hard enough, you'll get to where you want to be in life.
The Cuban native has overcome many difficult hurdles in his life, and becoming a world champion is an easier endeavor to achieve by comparison. Balart has mostly flown under the radar since he first debuted under the ONE banner in 2019.
During those years, 'El Gladiador' has evolved into a powerful and dangerous contender. He was confronted with challenges he never faced before and has overcome them with great effectiveness.
So, Balart heads to his first interim world title match, with an unwavering belief that he can overcome the impossible on Aug. 2. Speaking to ONE, he said:
"Winning the interim belt will give me a chance to face whoever is next on the list, including the undisputed champion. My job is to try to be the new champion, and to do that, I need to defeat anyone in my path."