Rivalry goes on for Joshua Pacio and Jarred Brooks, but this time it stays inside the circle
At A Glance
- ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio and former king Jarred "The Monkey God" Brooks' rivalry lives on after a controversial ending to their rematch at ONE 166: Qatar this past Friday, March 1, inside Lusail Sports Arena.
ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio and former king Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks’ rivalry lives on after a controversial ending to their rematch at ONE 166: Qatar this past Friday, March 1, inside Lusail Sports Arena.

Brooks was disqualified for slamming Pacio on his head and neck 56 seconds into the bout, giving the victory to “The Passion” and ending the match in the most anticlimactic fashion.
While Pacio welcomes the decision – noting how the rule is there for fighters’ safety – he also absolves Brooks of any ill intent, asking his fans not to pin the blame on the American for the incident.
“I agree with it. ONE Championship prioritizes the safety of the athletes, and that’s a pretty dangerous move,” he said.
“But here’s what I’ll say – I wouldn’t blame Jarred Brooks for it. Everything happens quickly inside the Circle. It’s a fight, we react inside the Circle in real time, and I have nothing against Jarred Brooks,” he added.
“I look at it as muscle memory for him. He’s a wrestler, that’s his nature. So I don’t think he did that illegal move on purpose. It just happens.”
But while they remain heated rivals inside the ONE Circle, their relationship outside of it also grew stronger because of the incident.
The 30-year-old Brooks was instantly apologetic upon seeing the replay and was grateful to watch Pacio walk away without any major, long-term injuries.
They also got together for breakfast the next day, where both men talked about family and life.
What’s ironic is how one dangerous move that stirred plenty of controversy drew Pacio and Brooks closer together.
“I saw his real side. I’m happy to engage with him, the real him, during our breakfast. No promotions for the fight, nothing. And I [was] happy,” he said.
“We have unfinished business. Next up is a trilogy. You can't judge a fight in 56 seconds. So definitely a rematch, a trilogy with Jarred Brooks, is next. Anywhere and [anytime.]”