Joshua Pacio, Jarred Brooks return to Qatar for emotionally charged world title unification match at ONE 171

The world title trilogy fight between Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks is set, and now it's for undisputed ONE strawweight MMA world title.

Pacio, the reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion, will face the interim world champion Brooks in a highly anticipated world title unification bout at ONE 171 on February 20 at Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar.

ONE Championship announced the fight on its social media accounts.

"We've got two EPIC World Title fights set for ONE's return to Qatar on February 20 👑👑," posted the promotion on Instagram.

This is the third time the rivals will face each other inside the Circle in almost two years, but the first time that both fighters will enter bearing 26.4 pounds of gold over their shoulders.

Brooks was the victor in their first meeting when he beat Pacio via unanimous decision to capture the ONE strawweight MMA world title at Mall of Asia Arena in Manila at ONE 164.

Joshua Pacio got his comeuppance, albeit in a way he never intended, when he reclaimed the strawweight MMA throne from Brooks via disqualification.

Brooks inadvertently slammed Pacio's head to the canvas and referee Herb Dean had to disqualify the American star and hand Pacio the ONE strawweight MMA world title at ONE 166: Qatar at Lusail Sports Arena.

The pair now heads back to the same arena where they had their rematch to settle the score and determine the undisputed ONE strawweight MMA world champion.

Fans can now sign up for early bird tickets at this link.

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Jarred Brooks has nothing but love for Joshua Pacio

They may share one of the most fiercest rivalries in ONE Championship history, but Jarred Brooks and Joshua Pacio have a great deal of respect for each other outside the cage.

After the unfortunate end to their world title rematch at ONE 166: Qatar, Brooks immediately went to Pacio at the athletes' hotel once the Filipino star was discharged from the hospital.

In a recent interview with the Bangkok Post, Brooks doubled down and expressed his admiration for his rival both as a fighter and as a person.

"I think that Josh is an amazing fighter, I think he's an amazing person, an amazing Christian, but this is my realm, and this is my weight class at the end of the day. He will find out hopefully."