Michael Johnson vs. Jonathan Brookins: a battle of the show’s top prospects. Both Johnson and Brookins came into this bout highly touted, highly respected and has teammates on Team GSP. That they did so well on the show was no surprised. That they made it to the finals was almost a foregone conclusion.
Johnson came out early looking much faster and landing nicely. Brookins attempted an early takedown, but Johnson was able to eventually stuff it. About three minutes in Johnson dropped Brookins and followed up with monster ground and pound. In several position in the clinch with elbow turning Brookins posture over Johnson was able to land huge knees and punches. Off of a leg kick Brookins look to jump to Johnson’s back, but nothing worked. Johnson was able to land a few more times and shrugged off several more takedown attempts.
The second round, however, started off nicely for Brookins. He secured an early takedown and landed vicious GNP. Working from Johnson’s half guard, Brookins was able to land several short elbows and wear Johnson out. After sustaining several minutes of top game attack, Johnson was able to partially stand. However, Brookins used a tree top position to slam Johnson with authority back to the mat. The round ended there with the fight clearly a draw heading into the third.
Both fighters started the third trying to do what they knew would win them the round. Johnson was throwing combinations early but Brookins looked for and landed an early takedown. With three minutes left in the round, Brookins was able to move to mount, but Johnson used the weak security of the position to stand back up. However, Brookins went to his bread and butter and hit a lateral drop to get Johnson back to the mat. From there Johnson tried mightily to move and renegotiate position, but Brookins continued to pour on the ground and pound.
The judges score this bout 29-28, 29-28, and 29-27 Jonathan Brookins