3 reasons why MMA strawweight titleholder Jarred Brooks could be a force at flyweight
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3 reasons why MMA strawweight titleholder Jarred Brooks could be a force at flyweight

Posted on by Amelia Pressman

Reigning ONE Interim MMA Strawweight World Champion and former undisputed king Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks is preparing for his highly anticipated ONE MMA flyweight debut against Australian fan favorite Reece “Lightning” McLaren.

This crucial clash will air on Prime Video on December 6th in US primetime at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov, broadcast live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

After dominating the MMA strawweight division in recent years, the outspoken American has made no small secret that he has his eyes set on the vacant ONE MMA flyweight world title and glory in two sports.

His quest for gold in the higher weight class begins this Friday with No. 4-ranked MMA flyweight contender McLaren. Before we get started, these are three reasons why Brooks has what it takes to be a dangerous competitor in the 135-pound class.

#1 His ape-like strength and fighting ability

Understandably, many fans and experts have questioned whether Brooks has the size and physicality to compete against the best flyweight mixed martial arts fighters in the world. In fact, McLaren is among those who believe the 125-pound titleholder is simply too small.

Stylistically, however, the aptly named “Monkey God” has the ape-like strength and crushing grappling ability that translates well to a higher weight class. If anything, Brooks will have the opportunity to pack on 10 pounds more muscle, making him an even more effective takedown artist and submission hunter.

Questions about the 31-year-old’s physical condition will be answered on December 6, but he has already proven time and time again that he is one of MMA’s strongest pound-for-pound athletes.

#2 His World Cup experience

Brooks will attend ONE Fight Night 26 after four consecutive world title fights – including an unsuccessful bid for the ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title.

Simply put, the Michigan resident is no stranger to competing in high-pressure world championship situations when the lights are brightest. This will be invaluable as he pursues the vacant MMA flyweight throne.

Importantly, only one man in the MMA top five flyweight rankings has held ONE world title, so Brooks’ extensive experience in world championship fights already sets him apart from the pack.

#3 He competed in higher weight classes

While “The Monkey God” will make his ONE MMA debut at flyweight against McLaren, he has no shortage of experience at flyweight – and even higher weight classes – outside of the largest combat sports organization in the world.

Before joining ONE in 2021, he had a successful career in some of MMA’s major promotions, competing almost exclusively at flyweight. He’s even undefeated in amateur and professional bouts at bantamweight – a full two weight classes above strawweight.

In short, Brooks has already shown that his elite skills and brute strength can carry him to victory against much larger opponents.

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