The Triangle Choke: WEC 36 Results & Review

Announcers Todd Harris and Frank Mir.

Jake Rosholt vs. Nissen Osterneck

My prefight prediction: Rosholt will win by a TKO-ground and pound.

Both fighters come into the bout with unblemished records. Jake Rosholt has an impressive resume as a collegiate wrestler which includes 3 National Championships. Osterneck trains under the Gracie family and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The 1st round was filled with action. I scored the 1st round 10-9 Rosholt. He managed to take Osterneck down. It was clear that Nissen had the advantage in the stand up.

The 2nd round was filled with action. Rosholt is the type of fighter that is always moving. Todd Harris compared his style to Urijah Faber. Rosholt had Osterneck on the mat but the fight quickly returned to the stand up. Nissen punished Jake with some wicked strikes. Jake looked wobbly but Nissen slipped and Rosholt quickly took the fight back to the ground. Jake then delivered substantial punishment from the mount. Nissen was forced to give up his back and the fight was quickly stopped. This was a very exciting fight. I believe both fighters have a bright future ahead of them. Given Jake’s wrestling skills and his aggressive style, he may soon be a star in the sport.

Jens Pulver vs. Leonard Garcia

My prefight prediction: Pulver by TKO-Stikes

Pulver is a legend in the sport and Garcia is a fast rising start. Pulver sports a career record of 22-9-1. Garcia’s record is 15-3. This fight is billed as a stepping stone to a championship bout against the winner of Faber vs. Brown.

Pulver is his usual cocky self in the prefight segment. He speaks of breaking Garcia’s jaw.

The fight started with a quick pace with Pulver catching Garcia with a strike. Soon after, Garcia responded with quick menacing blows that staggered Pulver. Garcia went on the attack and caught Pulver with several shots. Pulver crumbled to the ground. Garcia wins by a TKO in the 1st round, a shocker.

David Avellan vs. Aaron Simpson

Prediction: The wrestler Aaron Simpson by a decision.

1st round- Simpson landed an overhand right that throttled Avellan, that quickly the fight ended by a knock out, a very impressive win by a very talented wrestler.

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Paulo Filho vs Chael Sonnen

Prediction: Filho by submission 3rd round. The fight was originally scheduled for 5 rounds but as a non-title bout is moved to a 3 round bout.

Amazingly enough, Filho didn’t make weight as a champion. Even worse, this is a rematch from a fight in December of 2007 in which Sonnen was winning the fight until Filho caught him in a submission. In my mind, win or lose Filho should be stripped of the title.

This fight is filled with bad blood and emotion.

1st round - An incredibly boring round as Filho lays on his back trying to lure Sonnen in. Unexplainably, Sonnen takes the bait but avoids being caught and easily wins the round.

2nd round - Its obvious Sonnen’s corner has gotten to him. Every time Filho goes to the mat, Sonnen backs away and the fight is brought back to their feet. Chael is disciplined and continues to land jabs. This is a listless and embarrassing performance by Filho, Sonnen wins the 2 nd round easily.

3rd round - This is a horrendous performance by a great fighter. Filho is a shell of himself as Sonnen continues to dominate. Mir has what might be the line of the night, “I know what it feels like to be gassed in a fight, to be unprepared, not a good feeling”. The fight ends to a chorus of boos.

Sonnen wins the fight by a unanimous decision. Filho should consider whether he wants to be a fighter or not. Paulo should be stripped of his title until he regains his desire.

Urijah Faber vs. Mike Brown - WEC Featherweight Title Bout 5 -rounds

Prediction: Faber retains his fight with a 3rd KO.

1st round - Brown’s strength is evident early in the clinch. Urijah is use to pushing people around but Brown is far too strong. Faber shows off his incredible athleticism and lands a few jabs. In a vapor, the fight is over. Urijah tripped, regained his footing, and attempted a blind elbow, as he did Brown caught him with a stiff right, knocking Urijah to the ground. Brown pounced and finished the fight with a flurry of punches. Incredible, I’m stunned as is the crowd.

That is how this sport goes, in the blink of an eye it all changes. Taking nothing away from Mike Brown, but 7 out of 10 times Faber wins this fight. Brown happened to be throwing the punch at the right moment. I hope there is a rematch soon, I’m sure there will be.

Even in defeat, Urijah is classy as always.

That is all for WEC 36, a great card filled with exciting, edge of your seat bouts with the only disappointment being Filho.

I’m already getting excited about the Couture/Lesnar fight. The promos were getting the blood pumping. Less than two weeks away…

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer