‘Got A Lot Of Surprises Up My Sleeve’ – Jarred Brooks Plans To Shock Mikey Musumeci In World Title Challenge

You could never accuse Jarred Brooks of backing down in the face of an immense task. 

While he waits for his first challenger in the MMA ranks, the reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion is stepping up to face BJJ megastar Mikey Musumeci for the ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title at ONE Fight Night 13 on Prime Video.

Not afraid to make his voice heard, “The Monkey God” saw his chance to propose the matchup to ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong during a live Instagram stream.

His proposal was accepted, and the bout is officially set for August 4 in North American primetime at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Explaining how the unique World Title contest came to fruition, Brooks said:

“This fight got presented to me about five days ago. I was on Instagram when Chatri was on Instagram Live, and I was like, ‘Me versus Mikey.’

“I felt like I would’ve had six months to get ready for Mikey. It was a little bit sooner for me, but the whole world can see even on three weeks’ notice that I can go in and possibly beat the best submission artist ever.”

Brooks isn’t shy when it comes to sharing his thoughts on his upcoming opponents – whether good or bad – but his callout of “Darth Rigatoni” came from a place of respect.

The Mash Fight Team representative admires Musumeci’s skills and positive influence in the combat sports world. However, he still sees the multiple-time BJJ World Champion as an opportunity to elevate his own career.

“The Monkey God” said:

“He’s a great kid. He’s somebody that I look up to and that everybody else should look up to in the industry. But I know he has his tics. So we’ll see when he grapples with me how he feels about that.

“Man, if I can beat Mikey Musumeci at his own game and beat him for the flyweight title, I think that I can start to call my own shots as far as doing these mixed-rules contests and stuff like that.

“I’m trying to take over ONE Championship. I put it all on the line every time. And it doesn’t matter who it is or who it’s up against. I’m going to show the whole world that nobody can face me and get out of there a winner.”

Brooks: ‘I’m Turning A Jiu-Jitsu Match Into A Fight’

Mikey Musumeci is perhaps the most dangerous ground specialist on the planet, but strawweight MMA king Jarred Brooks can’t be counted out in his quest for the ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title.

While he might appear to be a sizable underdog in this matchup, the American’s decorated background in wrestling has provided him with a strong grappling base, and he’s consistently showcased that skill set while compiling a stellar 20-2 MMA record.

The former Indiana State Wrestling Champion has tapped out eight opponents in the all-encompassing sport – including Lito Adiwang and Bokang Masunyane in ONE – and he’s never been submitted.

Moreover, Brooks is a strong and explosive athlete, which he believes will give him plenty to work with against the 27-year-old BJJ black belt:

“I’m not really worried defensively. I’m defensively sound in an ankle lock as far as jiu-jitsu goes. So actually, what can Mikey do against somebody of my prowess?

“I think that I will be most successful on the feet. We’re starting on the feet, and it’s not like he can butt-scoot towards me. And I’m just going to be as athletic as possible.

“The dude doesn’t get really submitted. So the only way I see myself submitting him is getting something quick. My speed, my agility, and my athleticism are going to play a big factor in this.”

The 30-year-old certainly holds Musumeci’s talent in high regard and knows he has to tread carefully when they eventually tangle on the canvas.

At the same time, he’s planning to drag “Darth Rigatoni” into a fierce battle, and if he can throw in a few tricks along the way, he gives himself a good chance to emerge victorious.

Brooks added:

“He’s known as the best grappler of all time. So I think that he’s good everywhere. When he grabs onto something, you’ve got to make sure that you’re twisting out of it quick, making sure that your knee line gets out of his hip line. 

“So they’re the things that I’m looking at as far as what Mikey has advantages in, but I’m telling you, I’ve got a lot of surprises up my sleeve.

“I’m not doing a jiu-jitsu match. He calls this a match. I’m fighting with this kid. I’m turning a jiu-jitsu match into a fight.”