Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart: An Epic Clash in ONE Championship’s Strawweight Division

In the world of mixed martial arts, few events are as highly anticipated as the upcoming clash between Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart. This fight, set to take place at ONE Fight Night 24, has all the makings of an epic showdown. The bout will be contested at a catchweight of 126 pounds due to Balart missing weight, and only Brooks will be eligible to win the interim strawweight MMA world title. Despite this setback, the fight promises to deliver ‘bell-to-bell action,’ according to Rich Franklin, the ONE Vice President.

Rich Franklin, a seasoned scout of martial arts talent, has high expectations for this fight. He believes that the matchup between Brooks and Balart could be the fight of the night, taking place at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Both fighters are known for their relentless pace and exceptional gas tanks, ensuring that stamina will not be an issue. This is the only opponent in the division that Brooks has not yet faced, making it a highly anticipated contest for fans and fighters alike.

Gustavo Balart has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to fight for the interim title. His greco-roman wrestling skills are expected to pose a significant challenge for Brooks. Balart’s strategy often involves using his wrestling to neutralize opponents in the clinch and secure takedowns. This wrestling prowess also sets up his striking, allowing him to land shots on entry or prevent opponents from committing to their combinations. On the other hand, Brooks’ world-class folkstyle wrestling and submission skills make him a formidable opponent capable of countering Balart’s tactics.

Brooks has been on an impressive winning streak since leaving the UFC, where he was a former fighter. He won the ONE Strawweight title in 2022 but lost it in a rematch due to an illegal move. Now, he is determined to reclaim the title and solidify his place as the best in the world. Brooks hopes that winning the ONE Championship gold will capture the attention of legendary fighter Demetrious Johnson, whom he aspires to face in the future. However, Brooks is not overly concerned if the fight with Johnson does not materialize, as he is focused on proving himself against any top fighters from organizations like PFL, UFC, or ONE Championship.

Joshua Pacio, the current ONE strawweight MMA champion, will be closely watching the main event at ONE Fight Night 24. Pacio recently suffered an injury in his rematch with Brooks and is currently unable to compete. He expressed disappointment at not being cleared to fight Brooks in a trilogy bout but is satisfied with the progress of the strawweight division. Pacio believes that the upcoming matchup between Brooks and Balart will showcase the depth of talent in the division and raise many intriguing questions about the future of the strawweight title.

Pacio’s injury has temporarily sidelined him, but he remains invested in the division’s developments. He is particularly interested in the stylistic matchup between Brooks and Balart, both of whom are accomplished wrestlers. Pacio is unable to predict a winner, adding to the excitement and intrigue surrounding the fight. He has his sights set on a potential trilogy bout with Brooks but is also open to facing Balart in a title unification bout if Balart emerges victorious.

Jarred Brooks is planning a ‘really big comeback story’ for himself at ONE Fight Night 24. This fight marks his first appearance since being stripped of his ONE strawweight MMA throne due to a disqualification. Brooks recently spoke about his evolution since losing his world title and becoming a father for the first time. He expressed his desire to overcome these changes by emerging victorious in the main event, which will be held at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

Gustavo Balart, too, is looking to make a significant comeback. After starting his ONE Championship tenure with three consecutive losses, Balart has since gone on a four-fight winning streak. A win against Brooks would not only showcase his resilience but also set him up for a potential fight against Joshua Pacio once Pacio recovers from his torn ACL. Balart’s previous losses have not deterred him, and his recent successes have proven his determination and skill as a fighter.

The matchup between Brooks and Balart is intriguing for several reasons. Both fighters have overcome challenges and setbacks in their careers, making their upcoming fight even more thrilling. Balart’s greco-roman wrestling will be tested against Brooks’ folkstyle wrestling and submission prowess. Franklin predicts that most of the fight will take place on the feet, despite both fighters’ wrestling backgrounds. This dynamic adds another layer of excitement to the contest, as fans anticipate how each fighter will adapt and strategize.

ONE Fight Night 24 will be broadcast live and free on Prime Video for Amazon Prime members in the US and Canada. This accessibility allows fans to witness the continuing growth and talent of the strawweight division firsthand. The event promises to be a showcase of skill, determination, and resilience as both Brooks and Balart aim to prove themselves as world champions. The fight’s outcome could significantly impact the future of the division, setting the stage for potential title unification bouts and new rivalries.

Both Brooks and Balart are determined to come out on top and make a statement with their performance in the ring. Brooks’ goal is to reclaim his title and capture the attention of fighters like Demetrious Johnson, while Balart aims to continue his comeback and establish himself as a world champion. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable as fans and fighters alike look forward to this epic clash at ONE Fight Night 24.

In conclusion, the upcoming fight between Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart at ONE Fight Night 24 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event in the world of mixed martial arts. With both fighters bringing their unique skills and determination to the ring, the bout promises to deliver excitement, intrigue, and high-level competition. As fans eagerly await the outcome, the fight serves as a testament to the talent and resilience of the athletes competing in ONE Championship’s strawweight division.