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 former TUF competitor Eric Shelton at UFC 214 in Anaheim, California.
Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks
Hometown: Warsaw, Indiana
Age: 24
Height: 5-foot-3
Reach: 62 inches
Weight Class: Flyweight
Camp: Mash Fight Team
Career Record: 12-0
Key Wins: Cee Jay Hamilton
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, gaining 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 division
- 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
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C
Striking Defense: D
Knockout Power: C-
Athleticism / Speed: C
Footwork: C
Chin: D+
Offensive Wrestling: C+
Takedown Defense: D+
Submissions: C
Conditioning: C+
Intangibles: C
Overall Grade: C-
Matchup with Eric Shelton In a matchup of prospects in the flyweight division, Shelton welcomes Brooks into the UFC. On paper, this is a close matchup. Both fighters are strong on the feet and possess above average striking skill sets. In terms of the grappling, both fighters are physically strong for the weight class and able to take opponents to the mat. Neither has the best takedown defense, so this fight will likely come down to who can get the better of the grappling. Shelton is significantly bigger than Brooks. He holds three-inch height and six-inch reach advantages. Not to mention, Shelton is the better athlete overall. I expect the physical advantages in Shelton’s favor to be the difference in this bout. Look for Shelton to be able to secure some takedowns and get the better of the grappling exchanges in a close contest. At +130, Shelton is worth a bet in a bout he should be a slight favorite in.
UFC Ceiling 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 24 years of age, he has a decent resume of experience. I could see him reaching a peak of the lower part of the Top 10 flyweight rankings, but think he will struggle against the division’s bigger fighters.
Fight Film Check out Brooks in some of his fights…
Brooks vs. CJ Hamilton
Brooks vs. Chris Tanner
Brooks vs. Jun Nakamura (On UFC Fight Pass)
https://www.ufc.tv/video/jarred-brooks-vs-jun-nakamura-pancrase-281
