Erik Koch vs. Jonathan Brookins. We're talking about a Roufusport striker versus one of the more talented young grapplers in MMA right now. That simple? Hardly.
Here's how it went down during their bout at Fight Night 25.
Early on, Koch connected with a solid low kick. Later, Brookins hit home with a front kick, then shot in. The former TUF winner pressed Koch into the cage wall, looking for a double leg. Eventually, Brookins gave up on the move, but began throwing some significant inside strikes, including a hard elbow and knees. After a while, Brookins hit home with two hard elbows, before Koch got free. Then came a solid one-two combination by the Roufusport fighter. Then came a hard right from him, followed by a decent left. Basically, Koch started to throw fast punches and kicks that were landing before Brookins shot in looking for the takedown again. Though he failed- Koch is showing some solid takedown defense- the former TUF champion did still rough him up a little with elbows.
Close round, but give it to Brookins based on Octagon control.
Round two started differently. Koch really took control with fast hand strikes and low kicks. Brookins shot in, but his takedown was stymied, and after a solid elbow, Koch was able to gain separation. The Roufusport fighter once again started doing his thing with striking before Brookins shot in. This time, he managed to pull him to the ground on top of him, before the two came to their feet. Some dirty boxing by Brookins before Koch got away. Koch got the better of things on their feet before Brookins shot in again. This time, however, the former TUF champ succeeded. However, before anything really happened, Koch pushed him off with his legs and got to his feet. Brookins pressed his opponent against the cage wall, the two traded knees, and that was about it.
Another close round. Though he succeeded with a takedown, it didn't do much for Brookins, and Koch dominated on his feet from a distance.
Call it even going into round three.
Up to around the three minute mark, Koch did a great job of throwing fast strikes and moving. Then Brookins shot in and pressed him up against the cage wall again. The referee broke them up due to very little action. From there, Koch began to dominate in the striking department with punches, kicks, and even a knee. Then Koch took Brookins down hard, though the TUF champion got right back up. After some striking, the clinching started again. Though Brookins roughed him up a little from that position, there wasn't much else.
Koch wins round three. This one is close.
Erik Koch defeats Jonathan Brookins by unanimous decision.
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You have to love the way these Roufusport fighters fight. They are always so well-versed in the striking department, and want more than just to eek out a decision.