Joshua Pacio wants to end ‘unfinished business’ vs Jarred Brooks

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—Joshua Pacio couldn’t have made it any clearer: he wants a trilogy with Jarred Brooks.

Pacio could’ve had the satisfaction after reclaiming the ONE strawweight title over Brooks in ONE 166: Qatar at Lusail Sports Arena on March 1.

But he couldn’t quite get that relief after winning the strap via disqualification following an illegal slam by Brooks 56 seconds into their title rematch.

“Jarred, for me, is really unfinished business. I’m not even thinking of other fighters right now. Maybe I’ll only think about them after Jarred,” said Pacio in Filipino recently.

“As an MMA fighter, I didn’t like how I won but getting the belt again, I know I deserve it. Not just me, but also my team as a whole. We deserve it all after years of hard work and it doesn’t stop here. I’ll prove it more in the trilogy.”

In their first encounter two years ago in Manila, Pacio lost his crown to Brooks by unanimous decision at ONE 164.

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Despite being awarded the victory, Pacio (21-4) believes it’s only right for another showdown against Brooks (20-3) that he hopes to happen before a hometown crowd.

“Everything happens for a reason. Even if we didn’t want the way we won, God has plans and maybe one of them is to have ONE return here in the Philippines, not just for me but also for the fans and our fellow Filipino fighters who haven’t gotten a fight.”

And expect the 28-year-old Pacio to aim for a definitive win in a potential third meeting.

“I don’t aim for a knockout, but if there is an opportunity, I’ll take it.”