MANILA, Philippines — Jarred Brooks has dethroned Joshua Pacio for the ONE strawweight championship after a convincing unanimous decision victory in the main event of ONE 164 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
Brooks, who has bulldozed his way through the division, dominated Pacio — particularly on the ground with his grappling.
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He also performed at par to Pacio's striking. Each time the Team Lakay fighter tried to gain rhythm, Brooks was able to go toe-to-toe.
Brooks thus snatched the lone belt that erstwhile remained in a Filipino's hands. Pacio was world champion since April 2019 after snatching the belt back from Yosuke Saruta.
The fight forced Pacio into the defensive for most of the fight that let Brooks control the pace of the battle. Despite being able to defend well, especially on the ground, he could not get enough on the offensive to take the victory.
Despite Brooks' brash words against Pacio before the bout, the American had nothing but respect for the former champion.
"Most respect to Joshua Pacio and Team Lakay... I know I had some choice words but I'm just trying to make this fight as well as anybody," said Brooks after the fight.
Pacio's loss compounded the woes of Team Lakay, which went 2-5 for the day with only Jeremy Pacatiw and Jhanlo Sangiao taking victories for the famed Baguio stable.
Among those who absorbed defeats were Jenelyn Olsim, Adonis Sevilleno and Geje Eustaquio. Eduard Folayang also faltered in the morning card at ONE Fight Night 5.
In the prelude to the main event of ONE 164, Superlek Kiatmoo9 took a split decision victory over Panpayak Jitmuangnon in a catchweight Muay Thai contest.