Cuban powerhouse Gustavo “El Gladiador” Balart is brimming with confidence ahead of the biggest fight of his life.

On August 2, live in U.S. primetime in the main event of ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video, Balart will battle former undisputed titleholder Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks for the ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Title.

Gustavo Balart prepares a gameplan against Jarred Brooks 

That much-anticipated clash will go down in front of a raucous Thai crowd at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.

An Olympic-level Greco-Roman wrestler with dynamite in his hands, Balart believes he has the skills and athletic ability to shut down Brooks’ renowned takedown game.

According to “El Gladiador,” his takedown defense will play a pivotal role in this World Title bout – and will likely frustrate the outspoken American as the fight wears on.

He said, “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. 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.” 

Indeed, Brooks is a talented takedown artist, having made his double-leg takedown and big slams a trademark of his approach.

“El Gladiador” beams with confidence for ONE Fight Night 24

Balart is well aware of what “The Monkey God” does best but isn’t concerned with his foe’s wrestling chops.

He says he’ll stop the takedown and keep the fight standing where he can unload show-stopping punches, “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 realizes that he cannot do it, he will also find out my striking is better than his. It will be the end for him.”