Legacy FC signs 'TUF 12' champ Jonathan Brookins, who's headed to flyweight
Jonathan Brookins (13-6), a fan favorite who won “The Ultimate Fighter 12″ as a lightweight, is headed to flyweight with a new promotional home.
Legacy FC promoter and owner Mick Maynard today told MMAjunkie the 28-year-old UFC vet has signed a multi-fight deal with the Texas-based promotion. He’ll make his debut on March 21 at Legacy FC 29 against fellow 125-pounder Cody Fuller (10-7).
The event takes place at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Okla., and the main card airs on AXS TV.
According to Maynard, Brookins’ manager said the 6-foot-tall fighter is currently walking around at about 140 pounds.
Brookins, who entered semi-retirement following back-to-back UFC losses in December 2012, provides some obvious star power to the Legacy FC roster, which sent numerous fighters to the UFC in 2013. Brookins could find himself back in the UFC, where he went 2-3 as a lightweight and featherweight, with a few quality showings on the regional circuit.
His opponent, Fuller, had won three straight fights before late-2013 losses to Micah Stockton and Ryan Benoit.
Burns also signs: According to Maynard, Gilbert Burns has also signed with the promotion and will debut on the came card as Brookins vs. Fuller.
Burns, a Vitor Belfort protege and Brazilian jiu-jitsu standout, owns a 6-0 MMA record. “Durinho,†a lightweight, has posted first-round stoppages in each of his wins.
He’ll take on WEC vet Mike Budnik (13-4), who’s won five straight fights, all via stoppage, on the regional circuit.
