“It was a big kick in the ass” - Jarred Brooks says losing belt by disqualification to Joshua Pacio was an eye opener

Former ONE strawweight MMA world champion Jarred Brooks admits that his defeat in his last match left a bad taste in the mouth. It is something he is out to redeem himself from when he returns to action next month.

'The Monkey God' lost his championship belt to Filipino rival Joshua Pacio in their title rematch back in March at ONE 166: Qatar after he was disqualified for performing an illegal spike in the opening round that saw 'The Passion' hit the canvas head first.

The move automatically earned Jarred Brooks a disqualification, with the championship belt awarded to Pacio, from whom he took the belt from in their first encounter in December 2022.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, the 31-year-old Indiana native spoke about the defeat to Pacio and how it is figuring in his preparation for his scheduled return.

Brooks said:

"So it was a big kick in the ass, but at the same time, it gave me three times as much motivation, and it changed my landscape and how I think, and how I go about this fight game."

Watch the interview below:

Jarred Brooks returns to action on Aug. 2 at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video, where he will vie for the interim ONE strawweight MMA world title against Cuban fighter Gustavo Balart.

The match will take place at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and will be available live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Out to frustrate No. 1 contender Brooks at ONE Fight Night 24 is Balart, the No. 3 challenger in the division, who is currently riding a four-fight winning streak.

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Joshua Pacio supports Jarred Brooks-Gustavo Balart interim title clash

While he would rather defend the ONE strawweight MMA world title, Joshua Pacio agrees that the interim championship fight between Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video has to happen to keep things in the division moving.

'The Passion' is out indefinitely as he recovers from the ACL tear which was believed to have stemmed from his preparation for his showdown back in March against Brooks. He still pushed through with the match and was able to reclaim the strawweight belt after the American was disqualified for executing an illegal spike in the opening round.

With the reigning champion unable to compete right now, ONE Championship decided to have an interim title match at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video on Aug. 2 in Thailand, which Pacio fully supports, telling Spin.ph in an interview:

"You know how much I want to be back in there competing, but my physical condition prevents me from doing so."

He added:

"It what it is. The division needs to move forward and determine the next contender, or in this case, the next interim champion."

The interim ONE strawweight MMA championship match between Brooks and Balart is the headlining contest at ONE Fight Night 24.