Read about the controversial victory of Joshua Pacio and the deep respect shared between him and his rival, Jarred Brooks. Despite the bitter rivalry, Pacio sympathizes with Brooks and expresses disappointment in his victory. Get the full story here.
| The Controversial Victory | A Bitter Rivalry with Respect | The Road to Redemption | Disappointment in Victory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks faced off in a world title matchup at ONE 166. | Despite their bitter rivalry, Pacio and Brooks share a deep respect for each other. | Pacio and Brooks have yet to discuss a potential third match. | Pacio expressed disappointment in how he regained the ONE strawweight MMA world title. |
The Controversial Victory
In a shocking turn of events, Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks faced off in a highly anticipated world title matchup at ONE 166. However, the fight ended in a harrowing disaster when Brooks inadvertently spiked Pacio’s head to the canvas, leaving the Filipino star unconscious less than a minute into the fight. The move was deemed illegal according to the Global Mixed Martial Arts Rule Set, leading to Brooks’ disqualification and Pacio being awarded the ONE strawweight MMA world title.
A Bitter Rivalry with Respect
Despite their bitter rivalry, Pacio and Brooks share a deep respect for each other. In an interview with The MMA Superfan, Pacio expressed sympathy for Brooks and acknowledged the struggles both fighters face. While Pacio was happy to have the world title, he admitted that winning it through disqualification wasn’t how he wanted it. He emphasized that only athletes truly understand the challenges they go through.
The Road to Redemption
Pacio and Brooks have yet to discuss a potential third match between them. Pacio is currently awaiting medical clearance before he can step back into the circle. Meanwhile, Brooks maintains that he never intended to spike Pacio’s head and was relieved to see his rival walk away with minimal damage.
Disappointment in Victory
Despite being on an unprecedented third reign with the ONE strawweight MMA world title, Pacio expressed disappointment in how he regained the coveted belt. He emphasized the quality of his training camp, nutrition, and overall preparation, stating that no one wanted the unfortunate turn of events. Pacio’s disappointment reflects his desire for a fair and decisive victory.
Watch the full interview with Joshua Pacio below:
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