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Reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio would be happy to unify his gold against Gustavo Balart should the latter score an upset over Jarred Brooks at ONE Fight Night 24.
The division's two ranked contenders go toe-to-toe in the main event of the promotion's next American primetime card, which emanates live from the Lumpinee Stadium on August 2.
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Though 'The Monkey God' – the top-ranked contender – is a heavy favorite to pick up a win, secure the interim strawweight crown, and set up a trilogy showdown against Pacio – the divisional king is well aware that No.3-ranked Balart could throw a spanner in the works and leave Bangkok with his hand raised.
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As such, he wouldn't have any qualms if a rubber match against Brooks doesn't instantly materialize as he'd still have a game contender in 'El Gladiador.'
Joshua Pacio told spin.ph recently:
"If Gustavo Balart rises to the occasion, he's more than welcome [to fight me]."
Pacio, currently recovering from an aggravated injury he picked up before ONE 166: Qatar, will undoubtedly have his eyes locked on this main event tilt to ensure he returns to winning ways when his world title unification contest is confirmed.
'The Passion' has a tricky test be it Balart or Brooks, but if all goes as planned, the Lions Nation MMA affiliate could well extend his third reign as the divisional king.
Joshua Pacio eager to step back inside the Circle after injury bump
After regaining the strawweight MMA crown due to an unintentional spike by Brooks at ONE 166: Qatar, Joshua Pacio's plan to make a quick comeback hit a U-turn due to his ACL injury that required immediate surgery.
Reflecting on the incident and his eagerness to make a comeback, the 28-year-old, in the same interview, added:
"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."
ONE Fight Night 24 will be available to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America live in U.S. primetime on Friday, August 2.
