ONE: Adiwang confident about Pacio’s chances in Brooks title rematch

FILE–Joshua Pacio, left, and Jarred Brooks face off during the pre-fight press conference at Solaire Resort and Casino. The two headline ONE 164 on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo from ONE Championship

MANILA, Philippines—Lito Adiwang likes Joshua Pacio’s chances against strawweight champion Jarred Brooks in their upcoming world title rematch in ONE 166: Qatar on March 1 at Lusali Sports Arena.

Adiwang, in fact, thinks a well-trained Pacio is capable of knocking out Brooks.

“For sure, he knows how strong Jarred is now, he knows the precarious positions he has to avoid, and I expect his game to show up this time,” said Adiwang, who has won his last three fights after beating Danial Williams last Friday at ONE Fight Night 19 in Bangkok, Thailand.

“I’ve been training with Joshua and I fought Jarred, and all I can say is that if Joshua got the proper training and adjustments for this fight, Joshua’s taking that belt home. I see him knocking out Jarred Brooks,” added Adiwang, who lost to Brooks in October 2021 by submission.

Adiwang and Pacio go a long way back as the two warriors were once training under the same stable at Team Lakay before moving on to Soma Fight Club and Lions Nation MMA, respectively, last year.

That’s why Adiwang knows Pacio could’ve beaten Brooks in their first encounter back in December 2022, where he lost the strawweight belt by a unanimous decision loss, had he made the necessary adjustments.

“In the first fight, I think we focused too much on Jarred’s strengths and we forgot Joshua’s strengths,” said Adiwang, who also competes in the strawweight class.

“I feel like Joshua lacked a bit of push in his attacks in that fight. If we add that up, I believe he’ll take the win.”