‘Patience Is The Biggest Lesson’ – New Father Jarred Brooks Reveals How Parenthood Has Changed Him

Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks‘ perspective on life has been altered dramatically since he became a father late last year.

The ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion – who will defend his crown against rival Joshua “The Passion” Pacio at ONE 166: Qatar on March 1 – welcomed his daughter, Naomi Mae, to the world in November and is loving every day of his new role.

Although he’s still learning how to navigate this massive upheaval in his life, “The Monkey God” would not change a thing about it.

Brooks opened up to onefc.com ahead of his World Title rematch with Pacio at Lusail Sports Arena:

“I’ve always wanted a child, and to have the cutest little button in the world, it’s huge, man. I would give the world for her. 

“It is very challenging, but at the same time, it is the biggest and best experience that God has given me. We’re blessed. We’re shining.” 

Being a parent is a job like no other. Having someone rely on you for all their wants and needs is a huge responsibility, but Brooks is committed to the process.  

Of course, it’s not easy to train for a World Title fight and look after a new baby, but juggling these elements and making them coexist seamlessly is teaching “The Monkey God” new things every day. 

He explained: 

“I would say patience is the biggest lesson I’ve learned. And finding time for everything, making sure that priorities are first – that’s family and then fighting. I’m always going to provide.  

“Every day, I take her to the gym. She loves it. She’s gonna be walking really, really fast. She got those athletic traits from her dad and mom. And I’m gonna put her in gymnastics right away. Get her into some wrestling and see how she feels after that.” 

Jarred Brooks Says New Daughter Has Made Him Even More Dangerous

Training for his ONE Strawweight MMA World Title defense is an all-consuming task for Jarred Brooks, but it’s necessary if he wants to retain his gold against tough challenger Joshua Pacio.  

“The Monkey God” has to sacrifice time at home with his young family to be in the gym, but fortunately, his supportive fiancée is there to pick up the slack while he is laying the foundations for victory.  

The Mash Fight Team representative is thankful for her dedication, and he believes the short-term sacrifices will pay off in the long run:

“I’ve gotta give kudos to my soon-to-be-wife, Francesca. She is literally like a plus mom. It’s her first child, and she’s killing it. I think she could have a show or a TikTok just showing how to raise a child.  

“I’m focusing on my fight. Don’t get me wrong, I just fed my baby and held her, but at the same time, Francesca is prioritizing that. I’m prioritizing this. This fight is gonna change our lives and give me momentum into being the best Jarred Brooks that I can be.” 

In some ways, becoming a parent has been softening Brooks, who is feeling a love more intense than he ever imagined.  

But, paradoxically, the 31-year-old also feels even more dangerous in combat sports now that he’s highly motivated to provide for his daughter.

Above all, he views his future foes as obstacles in the way of securing Naomi Mae’s future – and he vows to overcome all of them emphatically.

Brooks added: 

“My opponents need to watch out because you hear this crying baby in the background? She is the biggest thing to me. I thought mixed martial arts was and I thought that’s what I wanted to kill for. 

“But, oh man, I am so ready to rip all of your heads off and get that money for my baby to get her some food and to make sure that she has the best life possible.  

“I’m gonna get her college tuition paid for through all of your guys’ heads. I appreciate you. I love you. But it’s got to happen.”