“There's never a shortage of real title contenders” - Joshua Pacio proud to lead shark tank of a strawweight division in ONE
The ONE strawweight MMA king Joshua Pacio can't wait to get his hands on any challengers in his division.
However, since his return is still unknown after he was spiked on the top of his head in the opening minute of a world title rematch with Jarred Brooks, the division has to move forward with an interim title fight.
Before he had to stay at the sidelines, Pacio reclaimed the belt from Brooks on a technicality after that brutal incident. Nonetheless, he feels that his division is a shark tank full of willing and able fighters who are all aiming for the top.
Speaking to Spin.ph in a recent interview, he mentioned this fact:
"What I love about our division is that there's never a shortage of real title contenders.”
He also weighs in on the upoming ONE interim strawweight MMA world title fight between Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart:
“If Gustavo Balart rises to the occasion, he's more than welcome."
Joshua Pacio wants to resolve 'unfinished business' with Jarred Brooks
Meanwhile, Jarred Brooks seemed to left a sour taste on Joshua Pacio's mind, due to the controversy surrounding their rematch at ONE 166 in Qatar.
Hence, it is not surprising that the ONE strawweight MMA world champion is prioritizing his trilogy fight with his nemesis, as he shared in the same interview with Spin.ph.
The Filipino superstar said:
"I can see where this is heading, so I'll be straightforward. I have unfinished business with Jarred Brooks, and I intend to settle it in the future."
But first, Brooks has to take on another challenge in Gustavo Balart when they go head-to-head for the strawweight interim title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 24 on August 2.
ONE Fight Night 24 will be aired live and free in U.S. primetime for those with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription in North America.