Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at American Jarred Brooks as he opens the preliminary card against veteran Ian McCall at UFC 208 in Brooklyn, New York. Jarred “The Spider Monkey” Brooks Hometown: Warsaw, Indiana Age: 23 Height: 5’3” Reach: 63” Weight Class: Flyweight Camp: Mash Fight Team Career Record: 12-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background The young flyweight has amassed 12 straight victories to start his professional career. He has fought all over the world including Japan and Russia amassing experience in several different organizations. Heading into his UFC debut, Brooks has finished four of his last five opponents. Strengths
- Accurate right hand that he can land with power
- Sneaky submission game
- Physically strong for the weightclass
- More than willing to grind against the cage if needed
- Good experience for someone his age
Weaknesses
- Over aggression can put him in bad positions
- Striking defense needs improvement
- Vulnerable against a power puncher
- Gets very emotional leading into fights
Matchup with Ian McCall Ian McCall returns to the Octagon for the first time in two years as he takes on promotional newcomer Jarred Brooks. McCall has had all sorts of issue getting to the cage recently. Whether it has been his opponents backing out of a fight or McCall himself having to cancel, it’s been difficult for McCall. He’s had several operations to the point where he can’t even make a closed fist. This fight is a referendum of Ian McCall. At his peak, he was a consensus top five flyweight that was capable of giving Demetrious Johnson a run for his money. At this point, it’s hard to gauge just where McCall is at. If he’s near that top form, he wins this fight. However, if he is rusty and effected by those injuries, Brooks is a game opponent capable of taking advantage. Given just how long the layoff is, I tend to side with Brooks. The newcomer is young, hungry and has the ability to compete in the UFC. Facing McCall in a debut fight is no easy assignment, but I expect him to make this a dog fight. Given the circumstances, look for Brooks to use his physicality and aggression coming out aggressive getting ahead in this fight. From there, it will be difficult for McCall to come back and win a decision. Brooks by decision (+140) is the most likely outcome in this fight. UFC Ceiling Jarred Brooks is a young, talented fighter in the flyweight division. He has an excellent overhand right that he can land with power. He combines that with an aggressive, wrestling approach. He’s also capable of winning a grinding type of fight against the cage. Even at 23 years of age, he has a decent resume of experience. That experience should translate to him being able to get out of the gate strong in the UFC and possibly move into the division’s top 15 after a couple wins. I could see him reaching a peak of the lower part of the top ten, but think he will struggle against the division’s bigger fighters. Fight Film Check out Jarred Brooks in some of his fights: Jarred Brooks vs. CJ Hamilton Jarred Brooks vs. Jun Nakamura (On UFC Fight Pass) https://www.ufc.tv/video/jarred-brooks-vs-jun-nakamura-pancrase-281 Jared Brooks vs. Chris Tanner
