“This will be bell-to-bell action” - Rich Franklin envisions a furious scrap between Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart
ONE Vice President Rich Franklin believes the clash between Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart will deliver "bell-to-bell action" between two of the world's greatest strawweights.
Emanating from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, the ONE Fight Night 24 headliner will see 'The Monkey God' look to once again wrap 26 pounds of gold around his waist when he meets streaking Cuban standout Gustavo Balart for the interim ONE strawweight MMA world title.
It will be a first-ever meeting between the two top-five contenders.
Speaking with the promotion ahead of Friday's loaded Fight Night card inside the Mecca of Muay Thai, MMA icon Rich Franklin believes fans are in for a treat as Brooks takes on the one strawweight contender he hasn't already gone through.
“Most importantly, gas tank is not an issue for either fighter, so this will be bell-to-bell action," Franklin said. "It is for the interim title, and Balart is the only person in the division Brooks has not cleared out.”
If Jarred Brooks comes out on top, he will claim the interim title and set the stage for a trilogy fight with undisputed king Joshua Pacio. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for Balart.
Gustavo Balart will not leave Bangkok with a ONE world title—even if he beats Jarred Brooks
Stepping on the scale ahead of his return at ONE Fight Night 24, Gustavo Balart failed to meet both the weight and hydration requirements for his interim strawweight title opportunity.
As a result, 'El Gladiador' is no longer eligible to leave The Land of Smiles with ONE Championship gold, even if he wins the fight.
With a decisive win over 'The Monkey God,' Balart could still find himself with a shot at Pacio's undisputed strap, though he'll no longer be guaranteed an opportunity, even with the most decisive of finishes against Jarred Brooks.
Still, Brooks and Balart are guaranteed to give fight fans an absolute banger this Friday night, even if only one of them can reap the benefits of a victory.
ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE Fight Night 24 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime on Friday, August 2.