ONE Fight Night 24: Rich Franklin says Jarred Brooks' victory over Bokang Masunyane should be his blueprint vs Gustavo Balart

ONE Championship Vice President Rich Franklin thinks Gustavo Balart's Olympic wrestling pedigree won't be much of a problem for Jarred Brooks.

These two pocket-rocket warriors will lock horns in the curtain closer of ONE Fight Night 24 this Friday, August 2, inside 'The Mecca of Muay Thai' Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

One of the biggest storylines of this highly-anticipated clash is the battle between two world-class wrestlers with opposing styles.

The third-ranked Balart seems to have the edge, on paper at least, since he's an Olympian. However, Franklin thinks otherwise, especially after Brooks made minced meat of another formidable foe with a similar skillset to 'El Gladiador'.

The MMA legend turned ONE executive told the world's largest martial arts organization in a recent interview:

"I am willing to predict Brooks will be able to take Balart down. Watch Brooks versus Bokang Masunyane, another high-caliber wrestler who is super athletic. They started the fight in the clinch and Brooks was able to take the back and [countered] Masunyane's offense."

Moreover, 'Ace' believes 'The Monkey God' can finish Balart in a similar manner he did against 'Little Giant'. Franklin added:

"It showcased that Brooks is not just a wrestler. Riding in the backpack position for about four minutes and systematically earning the rear-naked choke."

Rewatch Jarred Brooks vs. Bokang Masunyane, here:

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Jarred Brooks feels 'heartbroken' that Gustavo Balart won't be eligible for the world title

After some complications on the scales, the Jarred Brooks versus Gustavo Balart clash will still push through, albeit with different stipulations.

The bout will now proceed at catchweight after 'El Gladiador' failed his weight and hydration tests. Brooks will also be the only fighter eligible to win the interim strawweight MMA crown.

While 'The Monkey God' knows the show must go on, he also showed empathy for his opponent, who has always dreamt of becoming an MMA world champion.

Brooks told ONE after the event's official weigh-ins:

"I'm truly heartbroken for Gustavo not passing weight and hydration at the same time. I know he has a family in Cuba. I know he has three daughters. I can definitely relate to that."

ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US Primetime, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.