A Punch in the Face

"It sure is hot out" is not an interesting take on our weather, but it is true. Seeing half Tulsa's population emerge from their vehicles with back sweat soaking their shirts? Now that is amusing and noteworthy.

The MMA scene is heating up as well. Tulsa is on the cusp of an epic showdown the likes of which have not been seen since January 16, 2010.

Tulsa's top two promotions will battle for your entertainment dollar on Friday, September 21. More on the ramifications in the coming weeks. On to this week's belt breakdown.

White Belt

Several fighters from Xtreme Fight Night 8 earned accolades from Inside MMA. The television show broadcasts on AXS (formerly HDNet) and tackles mixed martial arts around the globe.

Last Monday the show featured highlights of Randy Blake, Ed Cline and Wes Nofire. All three of the XFN participants won their contests via knockout.

This is the equivalent of Serge Ibaka making the Sports Center highlight from a thunder dunk. Only the flashy, spectacular fight footage is squeezed into the one-hour broadcast.

Heavyweight boxer Wes Nofire knocked out Shannon Caudle in the fourth round. He used a solid 1-2 combination to put Caudle down. Caudle tried to stand but his legs would not cooperate.

Randy Blake scored a referee stoppage after his spinning heel kick split his opponent's ear open. Prior to the knockdown, Blake taunted Brandon Gaines by sticking his chin out and doing push-ups in the ring.

The top rated knockout of the week according to the long running MMA show was awarded to Ed Cline Jr. He threw a slick kick, punch combo which resulted in a flash KO of his opponent just 11 seconds into the fight.

A flash knockout is one that results in a fighter going out and almost immediately regaining his composure and consciousness. Referee Kevin Nix did a great job saving Matt Gonzales from additional damage.

Purple Belt

The name Rosholt is synonymous with high caliber wrestling especially in the state of Oklahoma.

"Jake transitioned into MMA not too long after his college career was over," said Jared, the younger Rosholt brother. "After my last match of wrestling, I was ready for something different but not ready to be done competing at a high level."

So far so good. Jared has started turning heads. The 4-0 start to his career has certainly helped. It is also the variety in which he has won. So far not a single fight has gone to the judges for a decision.

Upon finishing his successful run at Oklahoma State in 2010 he had several options. WWF legend Jerry Brisco flew him down to Tampa to test out the rasslin' circuit. Maybe he would try his hand in a NFL training camp?

"I had a couple of different ideas but MMA ended up being the best fit," Jared said. "MMA was more interesting to me."

Oklahoma State pumps out as many mixed martial artists as any college in the nation. They are also some of the highest caliber in their post-amateur wrestling career. Coincidence?

"The grind in wrestling is completely different than the grind in fighting," Jared said. "It is a lot more matches. It's tougher really. That is why all those OSU guys are so good. We had tough schedules all the time. We wrestled great schools like Iowa and Minnesota."

But Iowa and Minnesota have not churned out the likes of Johny Hendricks, Daniel Cormier, Mo Lawal and of course the Rosholt.

Then again, some people do not like being punched in the face. It has a way of separating those who really want to be the best versus someone just looking for a quick payday and cheap glory.

Jared watches the UFC all the time. He pays special attention to the heavyweights who he might face in the Octagon sooner rather than later.

His skill set is such that he believes he can compete with most in the heavyweight division right now. Then he sees someone like former UFC heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez and knows he has more work to do.

Jared battles Derrick Lewis (7-2) at Legacy FC 13 on August 17 in Dallas, TX. The vacant heavyweight title is up for grabs. The main card will be televised on AXS.

For those who may question his experience or striking ability, think again. He estimates he has wrestled competitively in more than 300 matches during his high school and college career.

"I went over to Holland this last winter and got to see (Alistair) Overeem strike and go against him," said Jared. "I sparred with Todd Duffee a couple of times. He is a really good striker."

Alistair Overeem is widely considered the top striker in the world.

"It was an eye opener," said Jared of his visit to Holland. "You could tell they have been doing it forever. Their technique was great. (Overeem's) striking was very powerful, hard and very precise. It was a good eye opener for where I need to get to as far as my striking goes."

We will know a lot more of Jared's potential after his title clash on the 17th.

Black Belt

Well this is kind of awkward. You know how football fans cringe when their two favorite teams take the field at the same time? Tulsa is a prime example.

Many Tulsans would love to attend more home games at H.A. Chapman Stadium. However, when OU or OSU has a game at the same time they must choose between the two. It kinds sucks for all involved.

So on Friday, September 21 fight fans will be pulled in two directions. The top two current promotions running shows in Tulsa collide.

In the blue corner we have Xtreme Fight Entertainment which is run by Dale "Apollo" Cook. His show will take place inside The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa.

In the red corner we have King of the Cage. While not a new promotion, they are relatively new to the Tulsa area. They have secured the River Spirit Event Center as their venue of choice.

We will keep an eye on both cards and deliver scheduled fights in the coming weeks.