Brooks shoots on Bokang: ‘I’m not letting a 5-foot guy out of that circle”

Second-ranked contender Jarred Brooks believes he has faced way better opposition than current top-ranked Bokang Masunyane ahead of their ONE World Title eliminator match at ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic this Friday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

While the American is impressed with what Masunyane brings to the table, he’s confident that the South African has nothing on him in this clash. And he believes that he’s faced more dangerous opponents in the Circle.

“Bokang is super athletic. He has a lot of great qualities that he has shown. But unfortunately, he hasn’t really gone against anybody, and they put him in front of me. I think that I have faced way better opponents,” Brooks told ONEFC.com.

Masunyane’s resume shouldn’t be overlooked, especially since he hold wins over Ryoto Sawada and Rene Catalan, but Brooks believes those two guys never really pushed “Little Giant ” outside of his comfort zone.

“Don’t get me wrong – Bokang knocked out Rene Catalan, and in [highlight-reel] fashion, but Rene is like 43 years old, and he’s on his way out,” Brooks said.

“Bokang has good wrestling. He has good conditioning. But like I said, he hasn’t been tested. When a fist comes across the face, then we’ll see how he reacts.”

“The Monkey God” sees Masunyane trying to feel him out on the feet but ultimately scrambling for takedowns when he tastes the former’s capabilities.

“I do see [Masunyane] breaking on the feet and wanting to shoot and go for takedowns. And it’s going to be a tough road for him,” Brooks said.

“He’s going to have a really, really tough time taking me down. And if he does, I’m going to spring right back up to my feet. He’s not going to hold on to my back like he does to all these other people.”

While the Mash Fight Team standout believes he deserves a ONE World Title shot now, he really doesn’t mind taking out one more top contender before a fateful showdown with ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio.

“I think that I’m the best in the division, no matter what. I mean, you’ve got to go out and prove things. But inside of my head and the way I see fight night, I do see my hand getting raised in a spectacular fashion,” he said.

“I’m definitely expecting a finish. I’m not letting a five-foot guy get out of that Circle.”

Watch ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic on One Sports and One Sports+ this Friday, 22 April, beginning with the lead card at 5 p.m. The main card broadcasts live at 8:30 p.m.