For Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks, his contentious relationship with Mansur Malachiev has evolved from playful banter into personal animosity that will finally reach its conclusion at ONE Fight Night 36 on October 3 at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
What began as competitive discussion about American wrestling versus Dagestani grappling has transformed into something far more personal over the past year and a half, with both athletes engaging in psychological warfare that extends well beyond typical pre-competition banter.
“The past year and a half, this guy’s been sending me direct messages. He doesn’t really understand English that much, but he’s just trying to get into my head,” Brooks said.
For the former ONE strawweight MMA world champion, this flyweight contest represents more than just settling a social media dispute. After consecutive defeats that derailed his championship momentum, Brooks needs this victory to validate his decision to move up in weight while proving he remains among MMA’s top competitors.
His analytical approach to Malachiev reveals a competitor who has spent time studying his opponent’s tendencies, identifying weaknesses that he believes can be exploited through tactical pressure and superior conditioning.
“I think that when pressure is being displayed upon him, he waits his turn, and I think that’s where I can take advantage,” Brooks said.
The 32-year-old Indiana native recognizes specific openings in Malachiev’s defense, particularly his tendency to expose his neck when attempting takedowns.
“He leaves his neck out because he is very ‘guillotinable.’ He likes to tire his opponents out by letting them push forward and try to finish at a pace that he’s used to,” he said.
Beyond the immediate technical challenge, this contest carries significant career implications for Brooks, who views it as the first step in a broader redemption campaign that ultimately leads back to undisputed champion Joshua Pacio and the strawweight title he once held.
“Life can sometimes get the best of you,” Brooks said, “and I want to be that guy who went back to the trenches and came back up and let that be a good story for somebody in the future to be inspired by.”
