Former ONE Strawweight World Champion Jarred Brooks has put his bitter rivalry with Joshua Pacio on hold to back the Filipino star’s run for a second world title at ONE 173 in Tokyo.

Pacio will challenge Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title on Nov. 16 at Ariake Arena as he aims to become the Philippines’ first fighter to hold belts in two divisions. A win would crown Joshua Pacio two-division champion and strengthen his legacy as one of the country’s greatest MMA icons.

Rivalry turned respect

The Brooks–Pacio rivalry is one of the most gripping storylines in ONE history. Brooks first dethroned Pacio in December 2022, silencing a Manila crowd. Their March 2024 rematch ended in controversy after Brooks was disqualified for an illegal slam, handing Pacio the title back. The trilogy culminated in Qatar in February 2025, when Pacio survived a brutal first round before storming back for a second-round TKO that unified the 125-pound belts.

Despite their intense history, Brooks now shows admiration for Pacio’s role in Philippine MMA. He called Pacio a national hero and said, “To a young Filipino fan, Joshua Pacio was like Superman.”

Unfinished business

Brooks will make his flyweight debut against Mansur Malachiev at ONE Fight Night 36 on Oct. 3 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. While rooting for Pacio’s success against Wakamatsu, Brooks insists their rivalry is not over.

“I did lose. That’s OK, but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to come back,” Brooks said. “I’m a dog that gets bitten, and then I’m gonna bite you back three times as hard… Joshua Pacio is still on my hit list.”

Whether for gold or redemption, Brooks believes their paths will cross again, leaving open the door for a fourth chapter in their storied feud.