Jake Rosholt Ready for World Recognition at WEC 36

What do you do when you’re a four time All American wrestler from Oklahoma State University with three NCAA Division I titles and a undying passion for sports competition? You begin training and use the skills developed as a powerhouse wrestler to dedicate yourself to mixed martial arts. This is Jake Rosholt’s reality.

Rosholt has become the next member of a growing breed of decorated collegiate wrestlers to burst onto the MMA scene. After just four professional wins and a stint on the Tapout reality TV show, Rosholt gained the attention he needed to ink a deal with the Zuffa-branded World Extreme CageFighting. He is slated to fight submission specialist Nissen Osterneck in a 185 pound bout on the broadcast of tonight’s main card of WEC36 live on Versus.

Interesting to note is the groundwork laid out before Rosholt. He brings to the table all the tools needed for MMA glory. While his game is relatively one-sided to wrestling at the moment, it is one heck of a one-side. I would even go as far to say that Rosholt is now one of the best wrestlers currently under the Zuffa brand. With experience and training will eventually bring out a well rounded game.

Nissen Osterneck poses a very interesting matchup for Rosholt, but appears to be nothing that Rosholt can’t handle. Osterneck is primary a submission specialist and thus relies frequently on his Jiu Jitsu. Rosholt, however, is no stranger to being matched up with a guy of Osterneck’s style. In a matchup with Chad Jay back in March at a regional show in Oklahoma, Rosholt was able to use his superior wrestling skills to dominate Jay on the ground for the entire fight, defend submission attempts, and eventually work to the ground and pound TKO in the 3rd round.  To put into perspective– seven out of Jay’s previous seven wins had all come by way of submission.

With the folding of the WEC’s 185 and 205 pound weight classes into the UFC by 2009, this presents a fantastic situation for Rosholt. With just one “big-time” fight under his belt after tonight, he will have the chance to showcase his skills against some of the best mixed martial artists in the world. Rosholt is just another step for the UFC to deepen their current lackluster talent pool at 185 pounds.

Tonight, I expect Rosholt to come out aggressive and do what he does best: shoot for the takedown and work the ground and pound. On the other hand I wouldn’t be surprised to see him come out apprehensive, show respect for Osterneck’s ground game and work to keep the fight standing. Either way, I expect to see Rosholt impose his will and gameplan and force Osterneck to fight his fight.

Prediction: Rosholt by TKO in Round 2