ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is counting on an even better Jarred “Monkey God” Brooks to show up when they unify belts next month.
Pacio and Brooks will complete their trilogy in the co-main event of ONE 171: Qatar inside Lusail Sports Arena in Doha on February 20.
Having kept an eye on the American ever since he debuted in ONE back in 2021, Pacio’s expecting a more improved fighter than who dealt him a shutout loss more than two years ago.
“If we’re going to watch all of his fights since he started with ONE, he’s always improved. His striking has gotten better, and his grappling is getting better as well,” he said.
“Even in his speed and in his power, he’s truly improving. It’s also a factor that he’s been really active, so he’s really improving. Since he’s been competing, he’s truly getting better.”
Pacio praised Brooks’ movement in their first fight, and he lamented his own lack of return fire on his end.
He admitted to getting frustrated by “Monkey God,” and that’s one thing that he plans to eliminate when they face each other again next month.
“In the first fight, it was his footwork which really made the difference. He’ll move around, create distance, fire back with a one-two hook combination. My error in that fight was just focusing on defense. I was too worried about getting taken down and I got stagnant,” he said.
“I wasn’t moving, I was waiting for an opening, and that’s my error, that’s why he was able to land those clean shots. Credit to him, because his footwork and movement really frustrated me. He was slippery, he was getting me with combos, and [he] was quick to exit after.”
This time around, the Lions Nation MMA star wants to prove that he’s not just going to be defensive against Brooks. He’s going to react, adjust, and take the fight to the American.
“I want to show that I have answers, that I’m not just gonna rely on my takedown defense to stop him, but I can battle him on the ground, even on my back,” he said.
“I want to show that he’s not just the one who’s a threat in wrestling, maybe I’ll take him down as well. Like [Demetrious Johnson], that “Mighty Mouse” mentality.”
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