Derrick Lewis and Jared Rosholt Battle for the Heavyweight Strap
Back on August 17, 2012, UFC veteran’s Derrick Lewis and Jared Rosholt faced off at Legacy Fighting Championship 13 for the heavyweight title. In a burgeoning career, The Beast was yet to make a significant impact on the sport. Entering the fight against the lesser experienced Rosholt as the underdog. Pundits believed that Jared’s wrestling would be the deciding factor in the heavyweight clash.
With Rosholt holding the best winning record in heavyweight history in the Oklahoma State wrestling program. It was believed that his ground game would simply be too much for the street fighter turned mixed martial artist in Lewis. But not to be outdone Derrick was ready to show the world that there was a lot more to his game than brawling.
Lewis vs Rosholt Round One
As round one gets underway the pair exchanged some strikes. Before locking up, with Rosholt getting Lewis to the ground just fourteen seconds into the fight. And it looks like fro the beginning the experienced ground fighter is going to use his skills to keep his opponent on the mat. Gaining a superior position, landing some strikes and managing to drag Lewis back to the ground.
Derrick manages to get back to his feet but is soon on his back as Rosholt double legs him back down to the ground. And this is where Jared wants to be as he looks to stay away from the striking of Derrick Lewis, choosing instead to keep him in his world. Attempting and Americana, it’s not all going his way as Lewis is in no mood to exit the fight early.
As Derrick tries to fight off the assault, he manages to momentarily get back to his feet. But Rosholt is all over him like a human carpet. Once again dragging him to the mat and forcing Derrick to play his game. That’s one round in the bag for the All American wrestler.
Round Two
Round two gets underway with both men standing. And you can tell Derrick is tentative to get too close, staying on the outside and looking to avoid any takedown attempt by his opponent. But Rosholt is on his game and once again shoots and gets Derrick up against the fence. Putting on some good defence, it takes some time before he is once again on the floor and in Rosholt’s clench.
And this is where Derrick Lewis is being made to pay. As Jared puts all his weight on him and forces him to try and escape, burning up precious energy in the process. However, Derrick is not content to stay on his back and after being stuck in a head and arm triangle attempt, manages to explode free and land some solid shots.
Sensing immediate danger Jared once again latches on and shoots in with a single leg that gets Derrick back to the ground. Gaining top position and making Lewis carry his weight as he looks to rain down blows. But with little to no action, the referee has seen enough and gets both men back to their feet.
And it is from here where Lewis is finally able to open up and use some of his standup. As he straight away lands an uppercut, followed by knees in the clinch. But Derrick looks to have hurt his leg? Rosholt lands his own uppercut, then a failed trip that gives Lewis the opportunity to lands some heavy punches.
Swinging for the fences, Lewis lands a series of shots that sends Rosholt staggering backwards. Before finishing off the fight with a huge left hand that finally sends Rosholt to the ground and out of the fight. Making Derrick Lewis the newly crowned Legacy Fighting Championship heavyweight champion.