KEY POINTS

  • Lito Adiwang wants to prove that ONE Championship athletes should not be underestimated
  • He and Jared Brooks had a surprisingly cordial media call after trading barbs earlier in the year
  • Brooks suggested that the Filipino could become his training partner after their fight

Team Lakay’s Lito Adiwang is fighting for more than just his country’s pride when he enters the cage against Jared Brooks in the main event of ONE: NextGen III.

During a media call, the Filipino strawweight revealed his thoughts on ONE Championship athletes being underestimated on the world stage of mixed martial arts (MMA).

“I want this fight to be an eye-opener for everyone because a lot of people think that the way the UFC boosts and markets their fighters, people think they’re untouchable; that they’re the best in the world. I’m very excited to prove that ONE Championship athletes are also the best in the world,” Adiwang proudly said.

The pair were originally scheduled to fight in April at ONE on TNT 2, but the fight was immediately scrapped after Adiwang tested positive for COVID-19.

Adiwang’s issues with Brooks began after the American claimed that he would “rip apart” Joshua Pacio, to which the Filipino strawweight king replied and told him to defeat Adiwang first.

Being placed in the main event of a major card like ONE: NextGen III gives Adiwang and Brooks the spotlight they need to showcase why they are two of the best fighters in their division.

Despite the words they have said towards one another in separate interviews, Brooks and Adiwang were very respectful of one another’s abilities, going so far as to compliment their strengths.

The Team Lakay striker is coming off a major three-round strike fest against China’s Hexigetu in which Adiwang picked up the victory via unanimous decision.

With Brooks in his sights for their November 29 dustup, Adiwang is raring to go in the cage and finally settle their differences.

“I’m just very excited that, finally, this fight is happening. For us Jared [Brooks], good luck to both of us. Let’s give a good show and let’s show that we’re the best in this division,” Adiwang respectfully remarked.

Brooks echoed his Filipino counterpart’s sentiments and even suggested that they train with each other after the fight to help shore up the holes in their games.

RELATED STORIES
Coronavirus