“That kid’s in his prime” - Brandon Vera makes his pick for Joshua Pacio vs. Jarred Brooks

At ONE 164, hometown heroes Joshua Pacio and Brandon Vera return to Manila. As the second event in ONE’s back-to-back return to the Philippines, it’s sure to be a huge moment for the fans in attendance.

In the main event, dominant strawweight world champion Joshua ‘The Passion’ Pacio will face arguably his most dangerous challenger in Jarred Brooks.

The fight has become a grudge match after Brooks has shown no respect to the champion and trash-talked him throughout the buildup to December 3. The two will finally meet at ONE 164 after their originally scheduled date in June was canceled due to an injury to Brooks.

Former heavyweight champion Brandon Vera gave his prediction on the fight in an interview with The MMA Superfan, unsurprisingly siding with his countryman:

“Man, it’s Pacio, that’s passion right there. He’s gonna win, man. That kid’s in his prime. And he works so hard, man. His jiu-jitsu and his ground game are improving every time you see him. He gets back on the feet right away, if he can’t get a good position underneath or on top.”

Watch the full interview below:

Joshua Pacio has defended his world championship three times consecutively since winning it back from Yosuke Saruta in January 2019. In Jarred Brooks, he faces an opponent unlike any other he has faced.

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“I’m gonna put on a show” - Brandon Vera excited to perform in potentially the last fight of his career

On December 3, former heavyweight champion Brandon Vera will make his return to competition when he steps inside the circle for the first time this year. ‘The Truth’ is looking to make a statement when he faces Amir Aliakbari at ONE 164.

The 45-year old knows that he won’t have a lot of fights left in his career and after such a long time away from the sport, he is coming back against a very dangerous opponent.

In the same interview, Vera sent out a warning to the man who will stand across from him in Manila:

"Amir, do you think I’m not gonna touch your chin when we fight? I don’t know how the fight’s gonna go, but I know if this could potentially be my last one, I'm a soldier, son. I’m gonna put on a show."

Brandon Vera added:

"Oh my God, and we’re in the Philippines, in our country. It’s like the national anthem, the last line of the national anthem, ‘Ang mamatay nang dahil sa ‘yo.’ [I will die for your honor]"

If this is to be his last fight, Brandon Vera will want to go out in front of his home fans in the way he made his name in ONE Championship, with a devastating first-round knockout.