“That’s why I’m confident in this fight” - Joshua Pacio reveals potential key to victory against Jarred Brooks at ONE 171

ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio is turning to his faith in helping him in his return to action from injury and notching a victory over American rival Jarred Brooks in their trilogy title fight in Qatar in February next year.

He spoke about it in an interview with ONE Championship as he reflected on what had been a challenging 2024 for him and how it would affect his career journey moving forward.

Pacio, a Born Again Christian, shared:

"I guess the Lord was just teaching me that He's still in control, that I had to pause for a bit, but He's always got me. That's why I'm confident in this fight. For as long as I train hard and do my part, His will will be done."

Joshua Pacio was last in action in March, where he reclaimed the ONE strawweight world title from Brooks by way of disqualification after 'The Monkey God' executed an illegal spike in the opening round that saw 'The Passion' falling head first on the canvas.

The move automatically earned Brooks a disqualification card and forced him to give the strawweight belt to Pacio from whom he took it in their first title match in Dec. 2022 in Manila.

Joshua Pacio was lucky to escape with just a neck sprain from the incident but later had to undergo surgery for a knee injury he suffered even before he took on Brooks in their rematch. The Lions Nation MMA standout recently received good news that he is cleared to resume training for his trilogy with Brooks at ONE 171: Qatar on Feb. 20, 2025.

Joshua Pacio grateful for the opportunity to resume competing

Long out of action because of a knee injury, ONE strawweight MMA king Joshua Pacio is just grateful for the oppotunity to once again compete early next year.

'The Passion' is to defend his belt against familiar foe Jarred Brooks in a trilogy title fight at ONE 171: Qatar on Feb. 20, 2025. It will be the latest in their engaging rivalry, which ended in the disqualification of 'The Monkey God' in their last title fight in March after he executed an illegal spike in the opening round that cost him the championship belt.

In an interview with The MMA Superfan ahead of his return to action, Pacio, who had to undergo knee surgery following his last match with Brooks for a prior injury, spoke about his long layoff and impending return, saying:

"I'm telling you, it's really difficult to be laid off for that long as an athlete. Of course, as an athlete, you're only looking for a fight, but how can you fight if you are thinking about something and you can't enjoy the process?"

He added:

"So I just praise God that I am cleared now, and I feel that it's a blessing that ONE gave us a fight this February."

ONE 171: Qatar will take place at the Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail and will be aired live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.