- George Chung
- Mar 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Jarred Brooks arrived in Qatar intending to defend his ONE Championship gold against his chief rival in the organization. Instead, in less than a minute, he lost his title in an inauspicious fashion.
As Joshua Pacio attempted a kimura on “The Monkey God,” Brooks slammed Pacio to the canvas. Upon landing, Pacio was knocked out, and Brooks celebrated what he believed to be a successful defense of the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title at ONE 166: Qatar.
He was surprised to learn he had been disqualified, as throws to the head, neck, or spine are banned under the Global MMA Rules Set.
Although heartbroken over the result, Brooks took to social media soon after the match to share that he wished nothing for the best for his opponent.
“Joshua Pacio, wish nothing but the best for you brother, I hope you’re okay. I am sorry for letting down my family and the organization. I did not intentionally do anything. And new, congratulations,” Brooks wrote on social media.
Thankfully, Pacio avoided any major injuries from the slam.
The following morning, the two athletes showed the true meaning of martial arts by meeting for breakfast. Brooks joined the Lions Nation MMA team and was thrilled with Pacio’s prognosis.
“My brother, I am so happy to see you and give you a big hug!! Glad to see you’re happy and healthy!! Congrats champ!! Had a good conversation and breakfast with @lionsnationmma all great men,” Brooks wrote on Instagram.
Brooks, fans, and ONE were all concerned with Pacio’s status. With relief that the Filipino star will be fine, the future third bout is already being anticipated.
A trilogy will almost certainly be booked once Pacio is cleared to return to action. The two strawweight kings will need to give a proper resolution to determine the true ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship.
But seeing athletes come together after their heated encounter is refreshing, showing both men are true martial artists in every sense of the word.
