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Gustavo Balart knows that a world title victory at ONE Fight Night 24 would not only be a monumental moment for him but also his home country.
On Friday, August 2, the streaking Cuban sensation will ride into the legendary Lumpinee Stadium on an impressive four-fight win streak, including an impressive victory against fourth-ranked contender Hiroba Minowa in his last outing. If he can make it five in a row, he'll leave Bangkok with the interim ONE strawweight MMA world title.
Standing in his way will be a man who knows a thing or two about what it takes to become a world champion—Jarred Brooks.
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During an appearance on SerEbro EnlosDeportes, Gustavo Balart believes that walking away with 26 pounds of gold at ONE Fight Night 24 would be huge for himself and those who look up to him in his home country.
"It would be a very great achievement not only for me but for the young people of Cuba," Balart said.
Jarred Brooks looks to reclaim ONE Championship gold against Gustavo Balart
While Gustavo Balart is fighting for his first ONE world title, Jarred Brooks is beginning his climb back up to the top of the division after surrendering his strap in March.
Returning to the Circle at ONE 166 in Qatar, 'The Monkey God' was set to defend his gold against the very man he took it from, Joshua Pacio. Less than a minute into their title tilt, things came to a crashing halt as Brooks inadvertently spiked Pacio on the top of his head during a takedown attempt.
The bout was immediately brought to a halt with Brooks being disqualified for the illegal maneuver. As a result, Pacio was awarded the strawweight MMA world title and Brooks was sent home with his first loss in ONE Championship.
Ready for a bit of redemption, 'The Monkey God' will have to go through 'El Gladiador' if he hopes to score a potential trilogy bout with Pacio and reclaim the undisputed strap he surrendered in Lusail.
ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE Fight Night 24 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime on Friday, August 2.
