WEC 36 Breakdown

Jake Rosholt vs. Nissen Osterneck

Rosholt Scouting Report
Ht./Wt.: 6’1”/185 lbs.
Age: 26
Hometown: Stillwater, Okla.
Fighting out of: Las Vegas
Record: 4-0

The stakes: Ask anyone at MMA hotbed Xtreme Couture about Jake Rosholt and you’ll likely get an earful about the astronomical potential that has become synonymous with the former collegiate wrestling champion. Of course, this sport is full of can’t-miss prospects who turned out to be paper tigers. With a serious push from the UFC all but guaranteed for the winner of this bout, Rosholt’s future, one way or another, will be decided come Wednesday night.

The breakdown: We all know Rosholt can wrestle, but watch his fights and the thing that stands out the most is how natural his striking looks and also the ease with which he has grasped the fundamentals of grappling that so often elude even the most veteran of wrestling converts. The talent is obviously there; whether or not it goes into hiding under the bright lights is anyone’s guess.

Osterneck Scouting Report
Ht./Wt.: 6’2”/185 lbs.
Age: 28
Hometown: Maui, Hawaii
Fighting out of: Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Record: 5-0

The stakes: While just about everyone has heard about Jake Rosholt, just about no one knows who Nissen Osterneck is. A testament to the power of perception, as Osterneck is a solid middleweight prospect with an undefeated record of his own and plenty of high-profile instructors like Relson Gracie and Maurice Travis. A win over Rosholt and Osterneck can forget the days of being some sacrificial lamb for the latest superstar in training.

The breakdown: When you know a guy can take you down at will, the best thing to do is make him fear taking you down. Osterneck has to keep Rosholt from imposing his will on the mat by keeping him off balance with jiu-jitsu and taking advantage of any opportunities he gets on the feet. Golden-boy prospects often don’t take well to real challenges, and Osterneck has the game to put Rosholt’s resolve to the test.


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The bottom line: Someone is walking out of the cage as the UFC’s latest challenger-to-be in the middleweight division. While many are expecting a coronation for Rosholt, bank on this one turning out to be far more competitive than most expect. Osterneck will give Rosholt fits on the mat but lose the fight on the feet as he gets battered by Rosholt’s surprisingly refined striking. Long live the king … at least until the next king comes along.