Confidence is key for Joshua Pacio vs Jarred Brooks

Confidence would be something that reigning ONE strawweight champion Joshua Pacio had to bring once he steps into the Circle against top-ranked contender Jarred Brooks.

Given Brooks' resume in ONE Championship, virtually sweeping the strawweight rankings for him to become the No. 1 contender, Pacio is well-aware not to underestimate the explosiveness and talent that the American would showcase in their showdown in Dec. 3 at ONE: 164 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

But Pacio himself has something to brag about in his seasoned mixed martial arts career, defending his title for the third straight time and winning against Japanese opponent Yosuke Saruta in their trilogy to close their fabled rivalry.

"I think 'yong magiging edge ko rito is 'yong confidence ko. I don't need to trashtalk para ma-gain 'yong confidence ko, ma-down 'yong morale ng opponent? I don't need that," said the 26-year-old Pacio. "I'm going into this fight mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared.

"Everyone can doubt me but never doubt 'yong mga taong tumutulong sa akin," giving credit to his teammates over in Team Lakay, most especially his head coach Mark Sangiao.

Pacio holds a 20-3 record while Brooks owns a 19-2 slate.

With the fierce competition for the main event in MOA Arena, one of Pacio's motivations as well heading into the much-awaited bout is the fact that he will have the chance to defend his belt in front for the Filipino crowd.

The last time that he did so in Manila was against Alex Silva, where the Team Lakay stalwart showcased his improved ground game to level the Brazilian's capabilities en route to the split decision win.

"Main event 'to pero in this platform pa so I can inspire 'yong mga next generation na gusto ring maging champion," added Pacio, who remains the lone Filipino MMA champion.

"I think 'pag nanalo ako I can inspire them na despite the age, na bata ka pa, as long as you have the dedication and you're working smart, makukuha mo talaga 'yong gusto mo."

That said, Pacio said he's had enough of Brooks' trashtalking and all will be settled in the Circle once and for all.