Even though Joshua Pacio has a score to settle with Jarred Brooks for the ONE strawweight championship, the Filipino mixed martial arts phenom can still objectively discuss the chances of his American rival’s historic bid this Saturday, August 5.
Brooks will be facing a stern test in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 13 as he is set to challenge Mikey Musumeci for the ONE flyweight submission grappling title.
If there’s one person who can give a comprehensive breakdown of Brooks’ strengths and weaknesses, it’s none other than Pacio.
Both men went through the wringer when they faced each other for the intricately-crafted belt in December 2022, with Brooks winning a close unanimous decision to dethrone Pacio from his post atop the division.
“During our match, I really had trouble with his elite wrestling, and I felt his top pressure. When we were on the ground, I was finding ways to sweep or get back on my feet,” Pacio recalled in an interview with Tiebreaker Times.
“It was a lot different than I’ve ever experienced before. I mean, he’s light weight-wise, but he felt heavier than he is because of his top pressure.”
Stepping into the ring against an opponent of Musumeci’s caliber is not just a tall order but a true test of Brooks’ abilities.
Musumeci boasts a remarkable pedigree on the mats, being the first American to capture five IBJJF world titles as a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Moreover, the 27-year-old grappling wizard from Marlboro, New Jersey, has been undefeated since he joined ONE Championship in April 2022, beating his last four opponents in dominant fashion—with two coming by way of submission.
Musumeci has likewise been responsible for a number of technical innovations in jiu-jitsu, such as the “Mikey lock” leg lock.
While the attention may be centered on the heavily-favored Musumeci, Pacio believes that overlooking Brooks’ grappling prowess would be a grave mistake.
“I don’t agree with those who say that Jarred Brooks will be entering unfamiliar territory in this match. As an MMA athlete, grappling is part of our training, and jiu-jitsu is part of it,” Pacio stated.
“I know how dedicated he is. He told me a story about how he loves to hop from multiple jiu-jitsu gyms in his area just to learn and train with the best. You can’t sleep on him.”
If “The Monkey God” can conquer Musumeci this weekend, he will throw his name into an exclusive group of two-sport world titleholders in the promotion.
Though Pacio feels that Brooks has nothing to lose in the upcoming bout opposite Musumeci, the Lions Nation MMA member sees a fair shot for his old foe to pull off the upset.
“I believe anything can still happen. If Mikey Musumeci wins this match, I think it will be by a heel hook. If Jarred Brooks wins this, I think it will be via a rear-naked choke or decision,” the Baguio City native assessed.
“It’s a hard choice. I think he can make this interesting and go the distance with Mikey.”
ONE Fight Night 13 is slated to happen at the world-renowned Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and the card will also feature Jhanlo Sangiao’s three-round bantamweight MMA encounter against Mongolia’s Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu as the opening attraction.
