UFC President Dana White got his man … sorta.
Former three-time NCAA Oklahoma State University Wrestling champion Jake Rosholt has inked a contract to compete in the Zuffa-owned World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) promotion.
Rosholt –- who is undefeated as a mixed martial artist (4-0) since he turned pro more than one year ago -– is widely regarded as the top 185-pound prospect around. In fact, White recently gushed over the Team Takedown talent in a recent interview with ESPN The Magazine.
Here’s the quick snip:
"He's the real deal."
Rosholt was reportedly approached about competing on this season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF); however, the Spike TV reality series features light heavyweights and lightweights. And Rosholt was apparently not interested in moving up 20 pounds to showcase skills.
Who can blame him with that kind of talent and upside. Besides, it all seems to have worked out for the best.
Rosholt has been on the sidelines with an injured hand after a third round technical knockout win over Chad Jay during an Extreme Fighting League middleweight match back in March. He has finished all four of his opponents thus far and will look to do the same when he makes his WEC debut on September 10.
MMAmania.com has learned that his first test will be Danillo Villefort. "Indio" has also won his last four fights, including a submission (kneebar) over Mike Massenzio at an IFL back in May.
Expect to hear a lot of hype around Rosholt. And if he’s successful in his debut there will be a lot of talk that he will soon challenge Paulo Filho or the champion for his strap.
He’s that good.
WEC 36 features the rematch between Filho and Chael Sonnen, as well as featherweight champion Urijah Faber putting his 145-pound belt on the line against Mike Brown.
For an extensive piece on Rosholt check out this story on Yahoo!Sports.com.
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