It’s safe to say that #5-ranked strawweight Mansur Malachiev has some issues with reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.
The Russian believes that current interim champion Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks is the king of the weight class, going as far as saying that it’s the American who he wants to fight in the future – not Pacio.
To get there though, Malachiev must first win his next fight against #2-ranked strawweight contender Bokang Masunyane at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II this Saturday, October 5, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand
“I think Brooks is the real champion, not Pacio. That’s why I would like to fight him the most,” Malachiev said.
The Dagestani actually fought Pacio last year, but the Filipino beat him via close decision. The Lions Nation MMA star went on to reclaim his belt, albeit in the most controversial fashion. Brooks was disqualified for slamming Pacio on his head in their World Title showdown earlier this year.
That’s why Malachiev has his eye on Brooks, not Pacio, and he’s already got an idea of how the fight will go down should they meet.
“[Brooks’] strong point is his wrestling. Of course, you can’t underestimate his stand-up either, because he’s shown that he’s good in all aspects, both stand-up and wrestling,” he said.
“But I’m sure that I’ve got some advantages and, when we fight, I’ll be better. I can beat Brooks. I’m sure it will be a very entertaining fight for the fans.”
Now, Malachiev believes he’s got the capabilities to end this fight against Masunyane early and get a shot at the belt.
“I don’t like to talk too much before the fight, but I will do everything to win this fight. For me, it’s not important to finish him early. The most important thing for me is to win this fight and prove that I’m the best,” he said.
“After the win, I deserve to fight for the belt, and it will be fair as Bokang is #2 in the rankings.”
