Born and raised in Warsaw, Indiana, Brooks began wrestling from a young age alongside his brother. Competing in the 113 lb. weight class, Brooks was highly-talented and a touted prospect coming out of high school, being ranked first overall in the nation for his weight class as a senior. During his junior season, Brooks entered the state tournament with a record of 27-1, making it to the final before losing. During his senior season, Brooks compiled an undefeated 35-0 record, capturing the state championship in the process. After originally attending Indiana Tech, he later transferred to Notre Dame College before focusing on a career in MMA.
Before joining the UFC, Brooks compiled a record of 12-0 consisting of a variety of different finishes along the way, and also held an amateur record of 28-1, capturing ten titles. His most notable wins before signing with UFC was the four time Shooto title challenger Junji Ito and Abdiel Velazquez when he became the House of Fame flyweight champion.
Brooks was expected to face Ian McCall on February 11, 2017 at UFC 208. However, McCall was pulled from the fight the day it was scheduled to take place due to gastrointestinal illness. Brooks made his promotional debut on July 29, 2017 at UFC 214 against TUF 24 semi-finalist Eric Shelton. He won the fight by split decision. Brooks faced Deiveson Alcântara Figueiredo on October 28, 2017 at. He lost the bout via a controversial split decision. Brooks was expected to face Hector Sandoval on June 1, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 131. However, Sandoval was removed from the bout on May 22 for undisclosed reasons and replaced by promotional newcomer Jose Torres. Brooks lost the fight in round two after he attempted to slam Torres, but accidentally knocked himself out in the process. Brooks was tabbed as a short notice replacement to face Roberto Sanchez on September 8, 2018 at UFC 228. He won the fight via split decision. On November 7, 2018, it was reported Brooks was released from UFC.
Rizin
After being released from the UFC, Brooks signed with Rizin FF and made his promotional debut against Haruo Ochi at Rizin 18 on August 18, 2019. The bout ended in a no contest due to an accidental headbutt early in the first round. Brooks next fought with Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting at WXC 83, when he faced the undefeated Legacy Fighting Alliance veteran, Victor Altamirano. Brooks would dominate throughout the fight, and won by a rear-naked choke in the second round. Brooks' next fight was a return to strawweight, during Bellator Japan, when he re-matched the highly rated DEEP strawweight champion Haruo Ochi. Brooks won a unanimous decision. This would lead many media outlets and fight analysts to name Jared Brooks as the worlds best strawweight.
