"This isn't a Matt Serra versus GSP" - Jarred Brooks wants to avert major upset against 'super-hungry' Gustavo Balart
Former ONE strawweight MMA world champion Jarred Brooks knows he'll still be the betting favorite against his streaking opponent Gustavo Balart in the main event of ONE Fight Night 24.
Then again, 'The Monkey God' understands the extremely unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. Brooks wants to make sure there will be no surprises when he shares the Lumpinee Stadium ring with 'El Gladiador' on August 2, live in US Primetime.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Brooks revealed he expects the third-ranked Balart to go guns blazing in their five-rounder since they'll be contending for the interim strawweight MMA world title.
While uber-confident in his abilities to get his hand raised, the American said he still has to be on his toes to avoid a monumental upset. Brooks shared:
"I think he's gonna come out super-hungry. And for me, I just gotta make sure this isn't a Matt Serra versus GSP kinda deal."
Jarred Brooks, of course, is pertaining to one of the biggest upsets in MMA history, when Matt Serra knocked out the heavily favored Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69 in 2007.
Balart is indeed a formidable challenge, and we'll soon see if Brooks handles business.
ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs Balart on Prime Video is free for those with a Prime Video subscription in the United States and Canada.
Jarred Brooks admires Gustavo Balart's tenacity
Despite being one of the shortest fighters in the world's largest martial arts, Balart makes up for his with his big heart and unrelenting attitude.
The Cuban wrestler bucked off a horrid 0-3 start to ONE and came back with four straight victories to put his name into contention.
Jarred Brooks knows to give credit when it's due and admits he's quite impressed by Balart's admirable drive to succeed. He added:
"Some people say it's not the size of the boat, but the motion of the ocean. This definitely applies to him. He's got good motion and he always puts in the work, the discipline, and things needed for winning."