Filipino fighter Lito Adiwang expects Jarred Brooks to use his improved striking alongside his grappling to gain an advantage over Reece McLaren in their upcoming showdown at ONE Fight Night 26 on December 6 in Bangkok. Speaking with Sportskeeda MMA, Adiwang said:
“But I think Jarred will dive in. He will try to strike, but I think his main thing would be to take Reece down and submit him.”
Adiwang sees Brooks’ striking as an added tool that will make his grappling even more effective in the fight. Brooks, the interim strawweight MMA world champion, will be stepping up to flyweight in this match, aiming for the vacant ONE flyweight MMA world title. McLaren, on the other hand, is also gunning for the same title after his split decision win over Hu Yong in May.
Adiwang also expressed surprise at Brooks’ decision to move up in weight, despite having unfinished business with reigning strawweight champion Joshua Pacio. After securing the interim title, Adiwang expected Brooks to pursue a unification bout with Pacio first. Adiwang said:
“Yes, I was a bit surprised. But I’m just surprised about the timing of it all. Because that’s what I would probably do as well after getting the belt. But he’s only holding the interim belt and he decided to move up already. So that’s what I was surprised by.”
Despite moving up to flyweight, Brooks has made it clear that he still intends to face Pacio in a trilogy fight to settle their rivalry.
ONE Fight Night 26 will be available live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
