Following His Brother’s Footsteps, Jared Rosholt Gunning for Legacy FC Belt

After four wins in four fights in 2011, heavyweight prospect Jared Rosholt has been off the entirety of this year, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy.

“This last year, after I had those four fights, I’ve had a lot of time to focus on my hands and my stand-up,” said Rosholt. “I’m not getting away from my wrestling, I’m keeping that touched up and sharp, but I’m looking to blend my wrestling with my striking and make it flow better together.”

A three-time collegiate All-American and the most winning heavyweight in the history of Oklahoma State University, Rosholt’s wrestling has allowed him to quickly adapt to MMA and dominate his matches.

“It’s got to be a constant threat to any opponent that I fight with my credentials and pedigree in wrestling,” he said. “It’s got to be in the back of their mind that it’s always there and I can use it at any time. If somebody gets wild out there, I’m just going to do what I do and put them down.”

Rosholt told MMAWeekly.com that his strategy wouldn’t change much in his next fight as he takes on Derrick Lewis for the Legacy FC heavyweight championship Friday night in Dallas and live on AXS TV.

“It’s a match-up between a Division-1 wrestler and athlete against a guy who’s more of a street brawler type,” said Rosholt. “Nothing stands out (about Lewis) as ‘wow, this guy has got smooth, crisp boxing’ or anything like that; it’s just go out there and throw big punches like basically every guy who’s faced me.

“It’s not going to be any different for me mindset wise. I’m not worried about anything going bad or anything like that. He’s a big, strong guy, but I am too.”

The younger brother of former UFC light heavyweight Jake Rosholt, Jared has been able to use his elder sibling as a template for how to progress in his own career.

“MMA’s a tough world to live in and a tough career,” said Rosholt. “Jake’s been a good example for me to watch.

“He’s been kind of the guinea pig for all of us at Team Takedown. He’s been the one who got thrown out there, had tough fights and tough losses. It’s a good thing for me to see, but it’s been tough for him to be the guy who has to show everybody (the way).”

Currently signed to a three-fight deal with Legacy, Rosholt is looking to make a big impact the remainder of this year, starting Friday night in Dallas fighting for the heavyweight crown.

“It’s going to be exciting that it’s on TV in front of more people and for the Legacy belt,” he said. “It’s made the training more intense. It’s made me want to train harder, go faster.

“Everything is bigger now with this one. It makes a difference I think. I’m not going to say it doesn’t, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m going out there planning to go hard the whole time.”

(Photo courtesy of Team Takedown)