Gustavo Balart has his sights set on ONE Championship interim strawweight glory at ONE Fight Night 24 in Bangkok, where he’ll face former champion Jarred Brooks in the main event at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
The Cuban wrestler, who has toiled tirelessly in the ONE strawweight division to earn himself a shot at the gold, sat down for a quickfire Q&A session ahead of the matchup, and shared his thoughts on being a proud Cuban-American, comparing his wrestling to Brooks’ mat skills, and his thoughts on the matchup in general.
How does it feel like to be a Cuban living in the U.S?
First of all, I am very grateful to this nation. I feel welcomed here in Florida. I have my place here. I am very proud of being here, but, of course, I am 100 percent Cuban. I am now Cuban- American. I am proud of where I am from, my roots. As a Cuban, I am very proud of my roots, and we will always teach our kids where we are from.It is important to know where we are going, but we need to remember where we are from.
It does not affect me in any way. I am very proud of my roots and the place where I am from. Like I said, this great nation has given me a new home here in Miami. There are so many Cubans here and sometimes we get together, and we are so proud to represent our country in this country.
Do you miss your family?
Of course, I always think of my family and my daughters. They depend on what I do at that moment. They depend on my effort. During the fight when I am tired, during the difficult moments I think of them. I think of how important it is that I win the fight for them.
Can you describe the significance of this opportunity of facing Jarred Brooks for the interim crown?
This fight is extremely important to me. I have been working for a long time for this occasion. It has always been my main objective to come to the U.S. to fight in MMA. This is the most important fight of my life. This is the result of many years of hard work.
Both you and Jarred are wrestlers. How do you think your style of wrestling will fare against his wrestling pedigree?
I think I am more aggressive during combat and my opponent likes to go inside, step back, and move a lot. I am more static, more aggressive. You will witness a great fight. I think that whoever wrestles the best that day will be victorious. He will have a hard time trying to take me down. He will be tested. I will match his level and intensity. I am going to defend myself. I am not going to let him take me down. No way. I will counterattack.
Do you feel your wrestling will take him by surprise?
I don’t think he is going to get frustrated, but if he is trying and trying, he is going to make things easier for me. He is going to try to do what he does best. He likes taking fighters to the ground. When he tries to do that to me and realises that he cannot do it, he will also find out my striking is better than his. It will be the end for him.
He will be playing my game. I like to be on my feet striking, so if he decides to make it a striking fight, he is welcome to try. I hope he does choose to exchange punches with me.
How confident are you in exchanging strikes with Jarred Brooks?
I would love it. I love exchanging punches, so if he wants to try, I am happy to oblige. I think my opponents can feel the pressure when they face me because I am a very aggressive fighter. I think the fans like that I am aggressive, always going forward, always looking forward to the fight, and that is exciting for them. I never give up despite the disadvantages I face sometimes.
How certain are you that you will win the world title at ONE Fight Night 24?
All I know is that on the night of August the 2nd, ONE Championship will have a new king in the 125-pound division. His name is Gustavo Balart Marin.
Considering the circumstances in which Jarred Brook lost the title last March, do you feel you’re facing “the real champion” of your division?
Personally, I don’t care about names. I want to be a champion, and I will go after whoever is the champion. It could be him, or it could be another fighter.
Winning the interim championship would make me a champion, and that will give me a chance to face whoever is next on the list, including the undisputed champion. My job is to try to be the new champion and to do that, I need to defeat anyone on my path.
