(photo courtesy of Zuffa LCC via Getty Images)
Lightweight fighter Jonathan Brookins became the Season 12 winner of The Ultimate Fighter reality series by defeating fellow teammate Michael Johnson on Saturday night.
Brookins, who was often seen on the Spike TV reality series meditating in the backyard of the “TUF” house this past season, fought Johnson for three rounds earning the nod from the judges by being awarded the unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27) win.
Brookins fell behind in the first round to Johnson after taking a few good punches to the head. From the early onset it looked as if Johnson might finish the fight in the first round and become “The Ultimate Fighter.” But Brookins was able to survive the round as Johnson’s pace started to slow.
The second and third rounds belonged to Brookins who transitioned from his standup to his wrestling, scoring several takedowns and working his ground-and-pound from the top position. Even when Johnson scored a few good strikes in the opening of the third, Brookins was able to score the takedown and change the momentum back into his favor up until the bell sounded the end of the third.
“My game’s still got a lot to improve on. I want to invite everybody to come along for the ride with me because I’ve got a lot of improving to do.”
The win was Brookins fourth straight as a professional and improves his overall record to 12-3 and hopefully will erase fans perception of him as “The dude that lost to Jose Aldo.”