‘I’m Thankful’ – Jarred Brooks Reflects On Interim World Title Win, Eyes Joshua Pacio And Demetrious Johnson

Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks started his journey toward redemption with a highlight-reel win over Gustavo “El Gladiador” Balart at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video. 
 
Just five months after losing the gold via disqualification, the American star submitted his Cuban adversary to claim the ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Championship live in U.S. primetime this past Friday, August 2. 

Brooks forced Balart to tap out with a rear-naked choke in the opening stanza of their World Title clash at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. A highly anticipated unification trilogy bout with longtime rival, reigning divisional king Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, should be next once the Filipino is recovered from his torn ACL.

“The Monkey God,” who moved his professional record to 21-3 (1 NC), was thrilled to add another stoppage victory to his resume while also getting to show off different elements of his versatile skill set. 
 
He said: 

“Gustavo is smaller than me. I went against Bokang Masunyane [in April 2022], and I finished him in a similar fashion. So, I knew that the body triangle was going to be there and that we would find that.  
 
“I think I was better than him across the board in every aspect of mixed martial arts. He did put me on my back for the first time in my whole career. So, props to him for that. I was trying to keep him there and trying to get him tired because I knew he was going to get tired within that second to third round.  
 
“But yeah, I’m thankful for actually going on my back for once and having to rely on my jiu-jitsu and my other skills.” 

Not only did Brooks add a ninth submission victory to his career slate, but he also became the first person ever to submit Balart – a member of the 2012 Cuban Olympic Wrestling Team – in MMA. In the process, the American proved just how much of a dominant force he can be once the action hits the mat.

But the coveted ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Title wasn’t the only strap he received that night. Following his win, he was also awarded a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from his coach, Alex Hodi, in the ring.

“The Monkey God” said:

“I was glad to show people that I could finish Gustavo Balart in spectacular fashion. The only time he’s really been finished was with a head kick out of the blue. It’s the first time that he’s ever been submitted, and I’m glad that I could be that guy. 
 
“Getting my BJJ black belt [after the win] is right up there [with my best achievements]. I’ve been doing jiu-jitsu for almost my whole life. I think I started when I was nine, so this is an accumulation of time. It was a super big surprise. I was not expecting it. It meant the world to me.” 

Brooks Wants To Challenge World Champions Next

Jarred Brooks takes full responsibility for the disqualification loss that led to him surrendering the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title back in March, but he’s hungry to restore himself to his previous glory as the undisputed king. 

The American, who was the #1-ranked strawweight MMA contender, accepted Friday’s bout for the division’s interim crown while Pacio continues to recover from his injury. However, now that “The Monkey God” owns the interim gold, he can’t wait to settle the score with the Filipino in a high-stakes rubber match.

Brooks said:

“I’m super excited to go against Joshua Pacio again. He’s a great Christian, a great person, and a great fighter. And if I can go back to his home country – I love Manila, I love the Philippines, all those people are huge fans of mixed martial arts – and be around that fan base, around that energy again, that would mean the world to me.” 

Although the undisputed strawweight crown is high on his agenda, Brooks has one thing he wants even more. He would love to move up a division and challenge Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title. 
 
“The Monkey God” has been a longtime fan of his American compatriot, and he’d love to share the Circle with him before the legendary competitor hangs up his 4-ounce gloves for good.
 
Brooks offered:

“Demetrious Johnson was somebody that I was watching on TV at Buffalo Wild Wings, winning a World Title in 2012, thinking, ‘Hey, that could be me one day.’  
 
“I think that God gives me signs and getting into ONE Championship and getting the accolades where Demetrious is now, I think it would be a great matchup between me and him.  
 
“I’m somebody that tries to go up and beat competition. I climb the mountains, and I’m not worried. I know that GOATS are really good at climbing mountains too, but I’m not afraid to try to chase a GOAT.”