Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks do not like each other – so when the former puts his Strawweight world title on the line this weekend we can expect fireworks. The headliner was due to take place earlier this year but was postponed which has only given the two fighters more time for smack talk and the bad blood to build. Away from sparring on social media these are two incredibly high level athletes, lightning fast, and with the ability to end fights in an instant. Pacio is unbeaten in his last four, Brooks in his last five – this didn’t need added spice but it certainly has it – and it is the fans who benefit.
A Middle East monster
Middle East fight fans are in for a treat with Amir Aliakbari in action action Brandon Vera. Aliakbari went to ONE in 2020 and has always had his sights set on former champion Vera – a legend of heavyweight MMA across the world and a scalp that would still sit very highly – despite him now being 45 years of age. Aliakbari is three fights into his ONE career and after a tough start picked up a win last time out, and will be looking to use his strength and wrestling ability to build some momentum in the heavyweight division. For Vera, could a win put him on the road to one last title push? Or could it be the end of the line for ‘The Truth’.
Familiar foes chase Grand Prix Title
The ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix Championship Final will be on the line this weekend, and the two men contesting it are more than accustomed to fighting each other. Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Panpayak Jitmuangnon will clash for the eight time – with Panpayak getting the better of four fights to date. Both men won their semi-finals in impressive fashion, and while Superlek may be seen as having the better momentum heading into this one, it really is anyone’s.
Kane back in the circle
When a fighter has five fights on their record and none have been out of the second round, you can pretty much guarantee an all-action affair. That’s the case when Senegal’s Oumar Kane returns to the Circle this weekend to take on Uzbekistani Jasur Mirzamukhamedov. This is a meeting of two huge men in the heavyweight division, with Kane building a global following for his thundering power and ability to end fights quickly. He’ll have his toughest test to date this weekend taking on Mirzamukhamedov, who will be looking to end the Kane hype.
The last card of the year
What better reason to tune in than knowing this is the last card of 2022. It has been another prodigious year for ONE, and with title fights, Grand Prix finals, and plenty of other mouthwatering clashes – this is going to be an incredible way to sign off. Don’t be waiting until next year for your dose of ONE action – make sure you’re watching on Saturday.
ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks takes place Saturday December 3 2.30pm GST at the Mall Of Asia Arena, Manila. This is an event not to be missed so mark your calendars, download the ONE Super App, and go to watch.onefc.com now!
