“It’s definitely something I want to see” - ONE CEO open to Jarred Brooks vs. Demetrious Johnson

Chatri Sityodtong won’t say no to a potential Jarred Brooks vs. Demetrious Johnson showdown in the future, but concedes that now is not the right time.

‘The Monkey God’ is fresh off his world title matchup with now-former ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio at ONE 164, which took place last Saturday in the Philippines.

Despite giving an unforgettable performance against Pacio, ONE CEO and founder Chatri Sityodtong believes Brooks may have to prioritize cementing his brand in the division first before squaring off with flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson on the grand stage.

At the ONE 164 post-event press conference, the Chatri said:

“Yeah, it’s definitely something I want to see, but I don’t think it should happen now. If Jarred had blown away Josh, then I think okay, there would be some merit. But again, it was a squeaky close decision.”

Excluding Joshua Pacio, Jarred Brooks has defeated two of the top five strawweights in the division: Bokang Masunyane by way of rear-naked choke and Hiroba Minowa via unanimous decision.

On the rise is Filipino Marrok Force fighter Jeremy Miado, who recently defeated No. 5 contender Danial Williams by TKO at ONE on Prime Video 3. If he continues his hot winning streak, Miado could eventually earn a shot at the world title.

However, with Pacio vs. Brooks being a closely-contested matchup, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them collide again in a rematch next year.

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Jarred Brooks gives credit to Joshua Pacio for forcing him to use hands rather than wrestling

It goes without saying that Joshua Pacio really pushed Jarred Brooks past his own limitations over the weekend.

Pacio’s takedown defense was nearly indestructible until fatigue eventually took over in the championship rounds. Nonetheless, the Filipino native put on a courageous performance, refusing to be submitted by the wrestling champion. But while he focused a lot of time on his defensive game, his striking wasn’t as sharp as it usually is.

Jarred Brooks adjusted and took full advantage of his range to outbox the former world champion. In prior interviews, ‘The Monkey God’ said he had a lot of tools in his arsenal that he hasn’t been able to use since his wrestling is so dominant.

Brooks gave credit to Joshua Pacio for forcing him to use his hands instead of wrestling in this matchup. He told SCMP MMA at the ONE 164 post-event press conference:

“Kudos to Joshua Pacio as well, he made me use my hands. And that’s what I’ve been waiting for this whole time, somebody to not be able to take down so I have to use my other tools.”

Catch the interview below: