“It will start slowly” - MMA legend Rich Franklin says Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart won’t go in attack mode early on

MMA legend and now ONE Vice-President Rich Franklin is excited for the scheduled showdown between Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart for the interim strawweight world title this week. He, however, sees it as a slow burn as opposed to having an explosive start like what many expect.

American Brooks and Cuban Balart will compete for the interim strawweight belt at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video on Aug. 2 at the famed Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

However, it is only Jarred Brooks who is eligible to claim the title in the event of a victory, after Balart failed to pass hydration or make weight during the official weigh-ins on Thursday at the Best Western Wanda Hotel.

Speaking to ONE Championship in an interview ahead of the title clash and the unexpected issue with the weigh-ins, Franklin shared his thoughts on the headlining contest between Brooks and Balart at ONE Fight Night 24, saying:

"You are going to have to let this fight marinate for a bit to appreciate the action. I believe it will start slowly. Both men will need time to find the holes in the other's game. They will likely spend time in the clinch until either a mistake is made and the other can capitalize or combinations will begin to open."

Jarred Brooks is competing at ONE Fight Night 24 with a chip on his shoulder after losing his standing as the undisputed strawweight king following his disqualification loss (illegal slam) to Filipino rival Joshua Pacio in their title rematch back in March.

Balart, meanwhile, may not be eligible for the interim belt but is seeking to extend his winning run in ONE Championship, which currently stands at four straight.

The promotion is holding an interim strawweight championship match as reigning champion Pacio is out indefinitely for the ACL injury he suffered even before he took on Brooks.

ONE Fight Night 24 will be available live and for free on U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

---

Joshua Pacio welcomes Jarred Brooks-Gustavo Balart clash

While disappointed he will not be able to defend the ONE strawweight world title for some time, Joshua Pacio nevertheless welcomes Jarred Brooks' clash with Gustavo Balart for the interim belt at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video on Aug. 2 for things to move forward in the division.

'The Passion' is out indefinitely because of the ACL injury he suffered even before he took on Brooks in their title rematch in March in Qatar. He won after the American fighter was disqualified for an illegal slam he executed.

In an interview with spin.ph, Pacio shared his thoughts on the Brooks-Balart clash, saying:

"You know how much I want to be back in there competing, but my physical condition prevents me from doing so. It is what it is. The Division needs to move forward and determine the next contender, or in this case, the next interim champion."

But while he is out for a while, expect Pacio to be an interested expectator at ONE Fight Night 24 and learn who is next for him in his return.