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ONE 171: Pacio vs. Brooks – The Final Chapter of Their Rivalry |
On February 20, 2025, at ONE 171: Qatar, the Lusail Sports Arena will host the highly anticipated trilogy bout between Joshua "The Passion" Pacio and Jarred "The Monkey God" Brooks for the ONE Strawweight World Championship. This matchup aims to settle the score between these two elite strawweight competitors.
Previous Encounters:
First Bout – December 3, 2022 (ONE 164):
- Outcome: Brooks captured the strawweight title from Pacio via unanimous decision, showcasing superior grappling and control throughout the five-round contest.
Second Bout – March 1, 2024 (ONE 166):
- Outcome: The rematch ended controversially when Brooks was disqualified in the first round due to an illegal slam, resulting in Pacio regaining the championship.
- Outcome: The rematch ended controversially when Brooks was disqualified in the first round due to an illegal slam, resulting in Pacio regaining the championship.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Joshua Pacio:
- Strengths: Pacio is renowned for his dynamic striking, particularly his wushu-based attacks, and has a well-rounded skill set with effective submission grappling.
- Weaknesses: In previous encounters, he has struggled against high-level wrestlers who can neutralize his striking by controlling the pace and positioning.
Jarred Brooks:
- Strengths: Brooks excels in wrestling and grappling, often dictating fights with takedowns and ground control. His relentless pressure can overwhelm opponents.
- Weaknesses: His aggressive style can sometimes lead to openings in his defense, and he has faced challenges against adept strikers who can maintain distance.
Keys to Victory:
For Pacio:
- Maintain Distance: Utilize footwork and reach to keep the fight standing, capitalizing on striking advantages.
- Takedown Defense: Improve defensive wrestling to thwart Brooks' takedown attempts and keep the fight in favorable striking range.
- Cardio Management: Ensure peak conditioning to maintain a high pace and avoid being worn down by Brooks' pressure.
For Brooks:
- Implement Wrestling: Employ takedowns and top control to neutralize Pacio's striking threats.
- Pressure Fighting: Apply constant pressure to disrupt Pacio's rhythm and limit his offensive opportunities.
- Submission Awareness: Be cautious of Pacio's submission attempts, particularly when advancing positions on the ground.
Predictions:
Given the outcomes of their previous bouts, this trilogy fight is expected to be closely contested. If Pacio can effectively defend against takedowns and leverage his striking, he stands a strong chance of reclaiming the title. Conversely, if Brooks can impose his wrestling and maintain top control, he may secure a decision victory.
This bout not only serves as a decider in their rivalry but also as a pivotal moment in the strawweight division, with both fighters eager to assert their dominance and solidify their legacy.
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