Koch fights on televised card

Cedar Rapids native and mixed martial artist Erik Koch will fight on a televised card Saturday night.

Koch will face Jonathan Brookins in a featherweight bout as one of four main card fights during UCF Fight Night 25 at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orlenas, La., on Saturday, beginning at 8 p.m. (Iowa time) on Spike TV. The other three fights on the main card include Jake Ellenberger vs. Jake Shields, Court McGee vs. Dongi Yang and Alan Belcher vs. Jason MacDonald.

Koch, known as "New Breed" for his versatile attack of submissions, takedowns and striking, enters the bout with a 12-1 record. The 5-foot-9, 145-pounder has won three straight bouts, including a first-round knockout of Rafael Assuncao at UFC 128 in March. The knockout was the second straight fight he was awarded "Knockout of the Night" honors.

The 22-year-old Koch is just in his fourth year as a professional fighter.

Brookins, winner of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 12 and originally from Portland, Ore., has tremendous speed and intelligence, posting a 13-3 mark. The taller Brookins, 26, has cut down to 145 from 155 to fight Koch.