Former Sandpoint wrestler makes UFC debut on Saturday

SANDPOINT — Already regarded as one of the best collegiate wrestlers of all-time, Sandpoint native Jake Rosholt’s lofty ambitions haven’t changed a bit after his first five Mixed Martial Arts professional fights.

“I want to be the best fighter in the world at some point in my career,” said Rosholt last week, with the same confidence that made him an All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State. “I’ve got a long way to go, but it’s definitely something I can accomplish.”

Many fighters talk a big game, but when it comes from an athlete with the pedigree of Rosholt, it comes off as slightly more believable. The same hunger that he carried onto the mat at Sandpoint and Oklahoma State is also there when he enters the octagon. Both Sports Illustrated and ESPN the Magazine have already tabbed him as a future star of the sport.

Rosholt (5-0) will make his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut Saturday night, marking his initiation to MMA’s biggest stage. He’ll face Dan Miller (11-1), a dangerous free-style fighter with solid all-around skills, in one of the undercards on UFC Fight Night, from Tampa, Florida.

“I’m excited,” said Rosholt of his UFC debut. “It’s the biggest promotion you can fight under.”

Many former wrestlers have made the jump into the burgeoning sport of MMA, but none with the resumé of Rosholt — a four time All-American and three time NCAA champion.

Any questions about his chin  and ability to take a punch were quickly erased in his last fight against the dangerous Nissen Osterneck, who nearly upset Rosholt with a barrage of punches to the face. Rosholt was able to take the fight to the mat, eventually imposing his will and preserving a more marketable undefeated record.

One of Rosholt’s biggest strengths in the octagon — other than his nearly-unrivaled ground skills — is conditioning. Osterneck was a well-conditioned fighter, yet after nearly 10 minutes of tangling with Rosholt, the Jiu-Jitsu fighter visibly ran out of gas.

“Conditioning is huge,” said Rosholt, admitting his wrestling background serves him well. “You’ve got to be prepared to go three 5-minute rounds. Growing up wrestling, I know how to push my body to get in great shape.”

While each day varies, Rosholt usually works out 2-3 times per day, blending a mix of cardio, weights and Jiu-Jitsu. Much of the striking aspect of the sport is still relatively new to him, and he admits the training can be overwhelming on the body.

His younger brother Jared Rosholt, who also wrestled at Sandpoint High School, is currently the No.1 ranked heavyweight in the nation at Oklahoma State. Jake admitted his brother would probably do well if he ever ventured into MMA, joining the trio of fighters that currently make up Team Takedown, whose motto is “turning great wrestlers into Ultimate Fighters.”

Right now Rosholt is simply focused on the task at hand Saturday night. Like in his previous fights, it will no doubt be a learning experience, and yet another step closer to his goal.

“You learn so much every time. You get the experience, then come back and work on things,” said Rosholt. “I’m going to keep trying to get better and make my way to the top.”