Gustavo Balart says Jarred Brooks is a tougher fight than reigning champ Joshua Pacio: “I feel that way”

Cuban MMA fighter Gustavo Balart believes American Jarred Brooks is a tougher challenge than reigning ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio. He cited that 'The Monkey God' is more handful with his ability to dominate as well on the ground.

'El Gladiador' relayed this in an interview with SerEbro EnlosDeportes on YouTube, in line with his upcoming showdown with Brooks at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video on Aug. 2 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The two will battle for the interim strawweight MMA world title in the main bout of the event, which will be available live and for free to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Asked for his thoughts on Brooks and Pacio, Gustavo Balart shared he sees himself having a tougher time against the Indiana, U.S.A. native, saying:

"I believe that this would be more difficult than the other. Yes, I feel that way. Because, [Pacio] is a great striker, but if we go down [to the canvas] I will be able to control the fight there.

"But for Brooks, I cannot just take to the floor and control this fight. I believe we will have a little bit of level changes, or blows in the fight. We will defend takedowns, and maybe have a good striking [contest]."

Watch the full interview below:

At ONE Fight Night 24, Gustavo Balart is up against an opponent in Brooks who is angling to bounce back after losing the ONE strawweight MMA world title in his last fight against Pacio in their title rematch in March by disqualification (illegal spike).

The promotion is having an interim strawweight MMA championship fight as Pacio is out indefinitely because of the ACL tear in his right knee he suffered.

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Gustavo Balart looks to extend winning run at ONE Fight Night 24

Apart from claiming the interim ONE strawweight MMA belt, Gustavo Balart is out to extend the impressive winning run he has built of late at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video on Aug. 2 in Thailand.

Ahead of his marquee showdown against Jarred Brooks, the 37-year-old American Top Team affiliate has strung up four straight victories. It has been a marked turnaround for 'El Gladiador', who opened his ONE Championship journey with three straight losses.

Gustavo Balart's latest victory came back in January, where he edged out Japan's Hiroba Minowa by split decision in their strawweight MMA clash. Overall, he has a 12-4 professional record.