Although ONE strawweight champion Joshua Pacio believes top-ranked contender Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks will win against No. 3-ranked Gustavo “El Gladiador” Balart, he thinks the trash-talking American will get tested by the pint-sized Cuban.
The two strawweights were supposed to dispute the division’s interim strap in ONE Fight Night 24 this Saturday, with the winner getting a chance to challenge Pacio when the Filipino makes his comeback after an ACL tear.
But Balart failed to make a successful weigh-in inside the allowed window. The fight will still proceed at a catchweight of 126 pounds, though only Brooks is eligible to win the interim crown.
“If I’m facing Balart, I won’t ever sleep on him. Even though he’s small, he’s like a loose cannon,” said Pacio.
“He’s just moving forward; he’s just throwing everything he has at you. His size, in a sense, is also an advantage. He’s tough to submit; he’s tough to take down.”
El Gladiador is an accomplished wrestler himself, having represented Cuba in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2012 London Olympics.
“Jarred’s caliber as a wrestler is different as well, but I think Jarred will adjust a bit because Balart’s smaller than him.”
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