"Malachiev's face is on my hitlist" - Jarred Brooks wants Mansur Malachiev as he awaits Joshua Pacio's return from injury
Interim strawweight MMA world Jarred Brooks understands the severity of Joshua Pacio's injury.
While 'The Monkey God' knows his world title unification bout with the champ might take some time to materialize, he already has a new target in mind.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Brooks shifted his crosshairs to second-ranked strawweight MMA contender Mansur Malachiev.
"The way I see it, Pacio is on layoff and I’ve been the champion I kill all contenders. There is only Pacio, and I would like that real championship and the notoriety and respect I deserve. I also want to stay active and Malachiev's face is on my hit list first."
Jarred Brooks still has unfinished business with Pacio after splitting their first two meetings in the world's largest martial arts organization.
Then again, the outspoken American hasn't been shy about throwing shade against the surging Malachiev, who is coming off a big win against fellow ranked contender Bokang Masunyane at ONE Fight Night 25 earlier this month.
Brooks has publicly questioned the Russian's supposed one-dimensional skills and made it clear that he'll expose him if they do share the Circle.
Meanwhile, Pacio is still recovering after undergoing knee surgery, which could potentially open the door for Brooks and Malachiev's intriguing clash.
Jarred Brooks takes aim at Mansur Malachiev's 'lackluster' wins
Mansur Malachiev has relied on his feared Dagestani-style pressure wrestling to go 3-1 under the ONE banner.
His last two victories came against former strawweight MMA champ Yosuke Saruta and perennial contender Bokang Masunyane.
However, those victories both came by razor-close decisions, which Jarred Brooks believes shouldn't have gone the Russian's way.
'The Monkey God' told Sportskeeda MMA:
"The only difference between me and him when we win is when I'm done with fights I have a right to talk how I want to. He does not - with those razor thin decisions."