ONE Fight Night 24 preview and predictions: Jarred Brooks vs Gustavo Balart

Two aggressive fighters will lock horns in the main event of ONE Fight Night 24 this coming Friday, but only one will leave Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand as the interim strawweight MMA world champion.

It's finally time for Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart to determine who's not just the best wrestler, but perhaps the best martial artist in the stacked 125-pound MMA division.

While the victor will still figure in a unification bout with champ Joshua Pacio down the line, the stakes couldn't be any higher for these powerhouses.

Given both fighters' track records of manhandling their opponents with their grappling, fans can expect plenty of takedowns, trips, scrambles and slams. But, let's not forget 'The Monkey God' and 'El Gladiador' have heat in their fists as well.

Either way, fans will no doubt have their money's worth in this 25-minute affair, if need be.

As always Sportskeeda MMA's ONE Championship panel have shared their expert analysis for this massive showdown.

Check out their picks for the ONE Fight Night 24 main event happening on August 2, live at U.S. Primetime. The full event is free for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

Vince Richards

Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart are two of the most menacing grapplers in ONE Championship, but I don’t see this fight becoming a wrestling contest.

Instead, this one will turn into an all-out brawl. These two will look to establish their footing in the striking department, and will likely abandon their natural grappling bases in favor of that scintillating knockout finish.

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When that happens, though, I expect Brooks to get the upper hand against Balart. Brooks is one of the most underrated strikers in the division, and he showed he can bang with some of the best when he snatched the ONE strawweight MMA world title from an out-and-out striker in Joshua Pacio at ONE 164.

I expect Brooks to push the pace against Balart and eventually secure a knockout win in the championship rounds.

Prediction: Jarred Brooks via knockout

Mike Murrillo

I see this title match as a toss-up, with both fighters being capable of taking home a convincing victory. But, I say Jarred Brooks takes this by submission in the championship rounds.

Brooks has a height and reach advantage over the 4-foot-11 Balart and I believe that should considerably help his cause to win via submission.

I expect ‘The Monkey God’ to employ a somewhat similar game plan he had against Bokang Masunyane in one of his earlier fights in ONE, where he softened the smaller South African in the stand-up before taking him down and going for the submission.

Balart, however, will make a tough stand, aided by his well-rounded game both on the feet, as well as on the ground. But, in the end, Brooks is bigger and equally experienced, which is why he will overwhelm Balart for the victory.

Prediction: Jarred Brooks via submission

James De Rozario

Jarred Brooks all day.

The former kingpin is out for revenge, and that resolute mindset coupled with his advantages over Balart, both on the feet and the mat, should be enough to give him the victory.

Before he gets his hand raised, however, ‘The Monkey God’ must make sure he doesn’t fall prey to ‘El Gladiador’s’ style. The 4-foot-11 livewire has proven to be a hassle to deal with from range, where he typically uses his strength to get his opponents to the canvas.

Sure, Balart’s heart and courageous displays have seen him take out two ex-strawweight kings. But, Brooks is levels ahead of anyone the Cuban has faced in the past.

Jarred Brooks knows how to win, and with the interim crown and a trilogy against Joshua Pacio there for the taking, I expect him to secure a submission deep into the fourth stanza.

Prediction: Jarred Brooks by rear-naked choke in round 4

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