The stage is set for one of the most anticipated rivalries in mixed martial arts.
Reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio will face interim titleholder Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks in a grudge match at ONE 171: Qatar, scheduled for February 20, 2025, at the Lusail Sports Arena.
This marks Pacio’s return to action after nearly a year-long layoff due to an injury sustained during their controversial second encounter at the same venue.
The fight ended in dramatic fashion when Brooks was disqualified for executing an illegal spike that sent Pacio crashing headfirst into the canvas, violating ONE’s global rule set.
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The aftermath saw Pacio stretchered out of the arena, though he was later cleared of major head, neck, or spine injuries.
Unfortunately, the incident still aggravated an ACL tear, sidelining the Filipino champion and leaving the strawweight division in a state of uncertainty.
Now fully recovered, Pacio is ready to reclaim his dominance and settle the score once and for all.
“ONE 171: Qatar is already shaping up to be one of the biggest spectacles of the year,” said ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. “Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks will finally meet again to determine who truly deserves to reign supreme as the undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion.”
For Pacio and Brooks, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With both men eager to prove their supremacy, the clash promises fireworks and no shortage of drama.
