Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks has always known that he has what it takes to become the ONE Strawweight World Champion.

But the No. 2-ranked contender’s self-belief was bolstered recently by 12-time Flyweight World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, who asserted that Brooks would be divisional king Joshua “The Passion” Pacio’s toughest test on the global stage so far.

“The Monkey God” took those words kindly and described the Washington native as an athlete he has looked up to from day one.

“Man, I was ecstatic. I mean, you’re talking about the best of all time, that goat, Demetrious Johnson,” Brooks said in response to Johnson’s praise.

“That’s somebody that I’ve looked up to since I was in high school. And what made me really want to fight and really want to pursue fighting at a smaller weight class. He was definitely the project, for sure.”

Brooks will have the opportunity to move one step closer to Pacio’s crown when he takes on #1-ranked contender Bokang Masunyane in a World Title eliminator matchup at ONE: Eersel vs. Sadikovic on Friday, 22 April.

Should he topple the top-ranked star, the Mash Fight Team athlete will extend his win streak at the Singapore-based organization to three and cement himself as next in line to challenge the longtime champion.

Read More: “I Revert Back to My Fundamentals When I’m Fighting Without…” – Demetrious Johnson Details One Big Factor That’s Missing in His ONE Championship Fights

Jarred Brooks envisions an impressive showing at ONE: Eersel vs. Sadikovic

Brooks has adapted to life on the global stage at a blistering pace. He submitted Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang in his debut in the Circle, and he followed that success with another near-perfect outing against #4-ranked Japanese star Hiroba Minowa.

Masunyane will be a different challenge altogether for the 28-year-old wrestling specialist, but he’s relishing his chance to become the first man to put a dent in the South African star’s perfect 8-0 record.

“I think that I’m the best in the division, no matter what. I mean, you got to go out and prove things. But inside of my head, and the way I see fight night [against Masunyane], I do see my hand getting raised in a spectacular fashion,” Brooks offered.

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