Bokang Masunyane has gold on his mind as he prepares for the biggest fight of his mixed martial arts career on Friday, 22 April.
The #1-ranked strawweight contender will face #2-ranked Jarred Brooks in a World Title eliminator on the main card of ONE: Eersel vs. Sadikovic, and with so much at stake, he expects a tough battle against the surging American.
But while the South African knows Brooks is a threat in all areas, he thinks he can handle whatever comes his way.
Masunyane said:
“He’s very explosive. He’s got very strong punches, so that’s something I need to be aware of. But also, if I’m just aware of the punches, he’s got takedowns to get things to the ground.
“I believe I am more dynamic because I know how to use my wrestling for striking, and I know how to use my striking for wrestling. I believe that I’ve got more of a well-rounded game than he has. But I take nothing from him. He’s got very strong hands, and he’s got very good takedowns. It’s going to be a very interesting fight. I believe it has got the potential of becoming the Fight of the Night.”
The 5-foot-1 star nicknamed “Little Giant” has pushed his professional MMA record to 8-0 with a pair of dominant wins since joining ONE Championship.
He rag-dolled Ryuto Sawada for three rounds in his promotional debut and then finished former ONE Strawweight World Title challenger Rene Catalan with an explosive head kick KO.
These victories – particularly his first career knockout – have given Masunyane more confidence ahead of the pivotal matchup with “The Monkey God.”
He said:
“Every fighter always looks for a finish, and every fighter is prepared to go the distance. It’s just whether I’m going to be able to get that opening. If it’s on the ground, I know my submission game is very strong. If it’s stand-up, the fact that I knocked out one of the best strikers in my division has given me a lot more confidence that I can get a finish also.”
“Either way, I believe I’m going to get the win. Whether it’s a finish, or whether it goes all the way to three rounds, I believe I’m going to come out as the man on top at the end of the day.” (One Championship)
(Photo credits to: ONE FC)