“I didn’t really expect that kind of wrestling pressure” - Lito Adiwang on the toughest thing about facing Jarred Brooks

Highly regarded ONE Championship strawweight 'Thunder Kid' Lito Adiwang of the Philippines knows just how good of a wrestler Jarred Brooks is, and that's why he believes the American is destined to beat Gustavo Balart next week.

Adiwang was the man who welcomed Brooks to the world's largest martial arts organization, when 'Thunder Kid' met 'The Monkey God' at ONE: NextGen III in November 2021.

The fiery Filipino tried his best to turn the battle into a striking war, but Brooks' wrestling proved far too superior and 'The Monkey God' ended up submitting Adiwang in the second round via rear-naked choke.

Needless to say, Adiwang got to know Brooks very well that day, and he now holds the American in high regard.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Adiwang shared his experience fighting Brooks.

'Thunder Kid' said:

"In his first fight at ONE, which was his fight against me, I didn’t really expect that kind of wrestling pressure. I didn’t even try to scramble, I didn’t even try to fight it with technique. I was used to when I get taken down, I’ll fight with pure strength. So I’ll fight it strength to strength."

Adiwang added:

"If he got me in a body lock, I'd just push away, and deliver my strikes. But what happened was I wasn’t used when someone goes to shoot for a takedown, then set himself up, and go shoot again."

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Jarred Brooks to face Gustavo Balart for the interim strawweight MMA crown at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video

'The Monkey God' Jarred Brooks is set to lock horns with no.3-ranked 'El Gladiador' Gustavo Balart for the ONE interim strawweight MMA world title in the main event at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video.

The event broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, August 2nd.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates on the event as it happens.