Jarred Brooks proved that he is more than just a talked on Saturday evening during ONE 164 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The 29-year-old American showed that he is also a doer, surviving everything Joshua Pacio threw at him to win the ONE Strawweight World Championship to silence the sold-out venue.
But in a surprise after the bout, Brooks poured his heart out and admitted that his cocky persona was nothing more than just a schtick to sell the fights.
“I have the utmost respect for Joshua Pacio and Team Lakay,” he admitted after winning the crown. “I know I had some choice words but I’m just trying to make this fight as well as anybody else is. I love the Filipino people, I have not met one bad Filipino here. I love everybody and I want to show my heart in the next fight.
“I know I’ve been the heel a lot in these last fights but I’m a good person and I don’t want anybody to think that I’m not. I love my Filipino people.”
Since leaving the UFC back in September of 2018, Brooks has strung together six wins — including wins.
And the fighter out of Mash Fight Team has proven that he is part of the world’s elite. And he did it outside of the UFC banner.
“I love this promotion and this is the best promotion in the world. They have treated me like royalty. With all due respect, this is way better than the UFC.”
Definitely, he has found a home in ONE just like ONE Flyweight World Champion Demetrious Johnson.
That is why if he has a chance to pick his next opponent, Brooks is hoping that it will be Johnson — champion versus champion.
“You know whatever ONE Championship wants to give me, but I mean I would love to fight Demetrious Johnson. I have the utmost respect for you, but I would love to share the cage with you, win or lose.”
