The main card of UFC Fight Night 73 features a heavyweight contest between two former standout collegiate wrestlers, Jared Rosholt and Timothy Johnson. The two have a similar background and approach in the Octagon, which could make this either a really exciting or quite ugly affair. Jared Rosholt (12-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC, -245 favorite) Rosholt is the winningest heavyweight wrestler in the history of the Oklahoma State wrestling program, which is a tremendous accomplishment when you consider the wrestlers that have competed for that university. He was a three-time NCAA All-American and the 2010 NCAA national runner-up. Jared quickly transitioned to mixed martial arts after college and immediately racked up four impressive victories on the regional circuit. However, he hit the first speed bump of his career in his fifth pro fight when he was knocked out by current UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis. Rosholt was able to put the loss behind him and rack up four straight wins, which earned him a UFC contract. Since inking his UFC deal, Rosholt has compiled a 4-1 record, with his only loss coming to veteran Oleksiy Oliynyk in a fight he was winning. Rosholt is about as dominant of a wrestler as there is in the heavyweight division. He has a tremendous single-leg takedown that he finishes effortlessly. Jared is also adept at securing takedowns in the clinch once he gets ahold of his opponent. Rosholt is not the best or most active fighter from top position but he does a good job of holding position and landing steady ground and pound. Submissions are not really a part of his game, though he has shown the proper awareness to stay away from any trouble on the mat. Jared has really improved his striking game in recent fights. He works a solid jab and a clean straight right hand from the orthodox stance. However, he is a bit hittable and some have questioned his chin. Timothy Johnson (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC, +205 underdog) As I previously mentioned, Johnson was also a standout collegiate wrestler. However, his pedigree is nowhere near the level of Rosholt’s. Johnson was a Division III All-American, which is a huge difference compared to a D1 national runner-up. He is a mammoth of a man, tipping the scales right at the 265 pound limit for heavyweights. Johnson uses that size and strength to his advantage in the positions he is most comfortable in; the clinch and top position. Johnson tends to pin his opponents against the cage and works knees to the legs and body of his opponent. From there he will look for a takedown from the clinch or drop for a single or double-leg. Johnson remains extremely heavy in top position, as his size, positional control, and weight make it very difficult for his opponents to get back to their feet. His ground and pound is ferocious and he also owns a competent submission arsenal. On the feet Johnson is not very technical but he is quite aggressive. He wings wide, looping hooks that are big shots when they land but often leave him open to be countered. Thoughts I believe this fight favors Rosholt in just about every area. Johnson’s strengths are his wrestling and clinch game, and Rosholt is significantly better than him there. Rosholt may not get every takedown he attempts, but I expect him to win most of the wrestling and clinch exchanges. Further, Rosholt is the more technical striker on the feet, though he must be careful because Johnson has the power to knock him out if he lands a big shot. Unless Johnson can land that big shot I think Rosholt will be able to dictate the pace, work in the clinch and from top position, and ultimately pick up a decision victory. The Prediction Jared Rosholt defeats Timothy Johnson by unanimous decision
