Gustavo Balart: “There is no doubt, my next fight should be for the strawweight title”
After a rocky start with ONE Championship, Cuba’s Gustavo Balart (10-4) has changed his course.
“El Gladiator” Balart dropped his first three outings with the Singapore-based mixed martial arts promotion before dropping down a weight class. Since moving to strawweight, the 35-year-old fight has picked up two consecutive victories and now has his eyes set on ONE Championship gold.
“Now I’m No.4 in the division, it should give me the chance to fight for the title,” Balart told ONE Championship officials. There is no doubt, my next fight should be for the strawweight title. This is the only thing I’m focusing on, and I’m confident I will make it.”
Balart’s most recent victory came at ONE 156 on April 22 where he earned a unanimous decision over Yosuke Saruta.
If the opportunity presents itself and he were to win a world title, Gustavo Balart would become the first fighter from Latin America to earn ONE Championship gold. In all likelihood, Balart will likely have to wait his turn as it appears as if Jarred Brooks will get his opportunity against current champion Joshua Pacio next.
“I don’t care about a name or who has the World Title. I only care about that belt, and whoever has it, has to be my next opponent. I hope it’s soon.”
