2012 World MMA Featherweight Scouting Report: #5 - Jim Alers

Photo by CageWarriorsUSA.com
Name:	Jim Alers
Nickname:	--
Age:	24
Height:	5'9"
Location:	Orlando, Florida

South Florida's Jim Alers (6-1) isn't your typical mixed martial arts prospect. He has a plan, one that involves constant improvement both inside and outside of the cage. During the weekdays, the 24-year-old studies full-time at the University of Central Florida, working toward a career in elementary education. On the weekends, he fights the best prospects in Florida's local MMA scene.

Surprisingly, Alers hasn't been hindered by his busy schedule. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, who trains at Gracie Barra Orlando and Alliance BJJ, has amassed six wins in seven appearances since making his professional debut in August of ‘08. He holds a notable win over heralded prospect Freddy Assuncao, and he's currently riding a two-fight win streak after submitting both Matt Kersse and Denis Hernandez.

Incredibly, Alers also found time to put his grappling chops to the test, winning the Abu Dhabi East Coast trials at 163 lbs., earning him a trip to Abu Dhabi for the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup last year. He wasn't able to progress in the cup, but it was a chance to focus on improving after tasting defeat against Ronald Jacobs at Art of Fighting 7 last April.

The time off paid dividends for his ground game, helping him quickly dispatch the opposition in his next two appearances. That isn't all there is to Alers however. The 5'9" former high school wrestler is also a solid striker, and he oozes athleticism, showcasing his superior strength by tossing opponents to the ground with ease. While there is definitely a propensity for Alers to exploit his opponents on the ground, he has the skills to end a fight anywhere.

Killer instinct is also a key factor in Alers' placement. He's a fighter that seeks out a finish while intelligently evading incoming attacks. Jacobs was able to exploit that aggression in Alers' lone loss, but it remains an attractive attribute that Alers simply needs to find a balance with.

Alers has the support system and stock of skills to win at a much higher level. Depending on his obligations to his education and whether MMA can actually sustain a living for him, it's up in the air if we'll see him in a promotion like the UFC or Bellator in 2012. At this point, however, from everything we've seen, Alers has the talent. He just needs a challenge.

Check out more video footage of Jim Alers after the jump...

Jim Alers MMA highlight from Steadfast Videos on Vimeo.

Jim Alers vs. Ronald Jacobs
Art of Fighting 7 - Payday - April 3, 2010

Jim Alers vs. David Gomez
RFC 18 - Pride - July 24, 2009

Jim Alers vs. Brandon Ocasio
CWFC USA - Unleashed - August, 23, 2008