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ONE strawweight MMA contender Gustavo Balart doesn't regret leaving Cuba in pursuit of the American dream.
The former Olympic wrestler was forced to flee from his country more than half a decade ago, due to Cuba's severe economic crisis.
With the freedom to pursue his MMA dream in America, Balart feels like he made the right choice, no matter how difficult it was to leave his family behind.
Ahead of his world title clash with Jarred Brooks this week, Balart told ONE:
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"I came to the US looking for more opportunities for myself and my family because in Cuba, the economic situation is very difficult, and I know that my dream of becoming an MMA fighter would have never worked in Cuba."
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After finding a way to become successful, Gustavo Balart is just a few days shy of making his dreams as an MMA world champion a reality. The American Top Team representative squares off with former ONE strawweight MMA world titleholder 'The Monkey God' Jarred Brooks on Aug. 2, for the interim crown at the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Thailand.
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US Primetime, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
"He's more than welcome" - Divisional king Joshua Pacio says he's willing to put his beef with Jarred Brooks temporarily aside if Gustavo Balart is victorious at OFN24
Divisional king Joshua 'The Passion' Pacio will be paying close attention to the blockbuster matchup between Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart this Friday.
The Filipino superstar is sidelined at the moment after suffering a bad injury during a training session. But while he strives for a full recovery, Pacio is genuinely interested in how Brooks and Balart pair up stylistically.
Since they both have a strong wrestling base, Pacio can't fully predict the outcome of their fight. But he says he'll be ready for any guy who comes out on top. Speaking to ONE, Pacio said:
"I have unfinished business with Jarred Brooks, and I intend to settle it in the future. If Gustavo Balart rises to the occasion, he's more than welcome."
