Jarred Brooks, Joshua Pacio look to steal the show at ONE 166: Qatar

While it may not be the main event on paper, the highly anticipated rematch between Jarred Brooks and Joshua Pacio is stealing the spotlight at ONE 166: Qatar.

Both men will run it back for Brooks’ ONE Strawweight MMA World Title this Friday, March 1.

The five-round clash is generating a significant amount of attention and fanfare in Qatar.

Despite the event being hosted far from the Philippines, Pacio will find himself surrounded by fervent supporters on fight night.

With over 260,000 Filipinos calling Qatar home, Lusail Sports Arena will provide a familiar atmosphere for “The Passion.”

“Honestly, I feel like I’m in Manila right now. There are a lot of Filipinos. In every country that I compete in, there are a lot of Filipinos. You cannot remove Filipinos [anywhere],” Pacio said during the kick-off press conference on Tuesday, February 27.

“In every country I go to, there are a lot of Filipinos supporting us. I am more motivated this time.”

On the other side, Brooks remains unperturbed by the potential homecourt advantage Pacio might enjoy.

“People have been trying to shut me up this whole press conference, man. I think it’s because of these Filipino kuyas. I love all of you Filipinos,” the American said with a big smile.

Despite the buzz surrounding the matchup, Brooks can’t help but wonder why he and Pacio aren’t headlining ONE Championship’s maiden on-ground spectacle in the country.

“I think me and Joshua Pacio are the real main event of this [card]. Joshua Pacio has a lot of Filipino support, and I appreciate that. I appreciate people who love our sport,” he said.

Regardless of whether the crowd cheers or boos, “The Monkey God” sees it as an opportunity to feed off the energy.

“People can boo me all they want, but have I ever been wrong? Nope. It’s fine, I love the hate, and I love the love. It doesn’t matter,” he said.

Jarred Brooks, Joshua Pacio eye definitive victory

The first meeting between Jarred Brooks and Joshua Pacio in December 2022 was a closely contested battle that went the distance.

There, the American emerged victorious by a close unanimous decision. He also took the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title away from the Filipino.

But in the upcoming rematch, Brooks has no intention of leaving his fate in the hands of the judges.

“People are underestimating my hunger and my goals in ONE Championship. Now, I’m here to show Joshua Pacio who is the best. I want to knock him out and I want to finish him. I’m going to finish him this time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pacio maintains a calm and collected demeanor, predicting a victory in his favor.

“The Filipinos [should] expect that I will bring home the gold belt this Friday,” Pacio said.