With strawweight champion Joshua Pacio injured, ONE Championship is implementing an interim title for the division this summer.
Former holder Jared Brooks will take over Gustavo Balart in the main event of ONE Fight Night 24, taking place on August 2 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand (Prime Video, 8 p.m. ET).
A ONE Championship official verified the booking between Brooks (20-3) and Balart (12-4) with MMA Junkie on Tuesday.
Brooks, 31, saw his reign come to an end in March when he was disqualified against Pacio for an illegal strike on his opponent. He was outraged by the situation, but will have the chance to enter the trilogy after winning the first clash against Pacio, in December 2022.
Standing in his way will be Balart from Cuba, a decorated amateur fighter who has scored four consecutive victories since July 2021.
Pacio is expected to be sidelined until early 2025 with an MCL injury before returning for a title unification fight.
