Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, a former ONE Strawweight World Champion, finds it challenging to predict the outcome of the upcoming clash between Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks and Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci.
Both fighters excel in submission grappling, making it a tough choice for Pacio to pick a favorite.
“Mahirap pa mag-predict kasi masyadong close. Parehas na magaling sila sa submission grappling kaya ang hirap pumili,” Pacio expressed.
The highly anticipated showdown is set to take place at ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs. Grigorian on August 4 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Brooks, the reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion, will move up in weight class to challenge Musumeci for the ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion title.
Battle of streight, technique
According to Pacio, the key to the match will be the battle between strength and technique.
He acknowledges Brooks' power and expects him to utilize his superior pinning skills and control to his advantage, looking for opportunities to secure a submission.
“Alam ko yung lakas ni Jarred. Napaka-heavy ng pin niya and sigurado ako na doon niya dadalhin yung laban. Pagka-takedown, pin, and control, and then pag may opportunity, he’ll try to get a submission. So yun talaga yung advantage niya, na mabigat yung pin niya kaya napakalakas niya talaga,” Pacio said.
He had a first-hand experience of Brooks' strength in their previous clash in December, where Brooks claimed the strawweight crown.
However, Pacio is well aware of Musumeci's pedigree as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and recognizes his exceptional ground game.
“Alam natin yung caliber ni Mikey sa ground game kaya nga siya yung champion sa submission grappling. Ibang level yan kasi champion talaga siya sa Jiu-Jitsu. Halos lahat na ng awards naiuwi niya,” he pointed out.
Pacio emphasizes that this match is a must-watch, as it promises to be an exciting contest between two highly skilled grapplers.
