UFC 102 Results: Jake Rosholt Chokes Out Chris Leben

 In a bout between a veteran UFC star coming off a suspension for steroids and a once highly touted blue chip wrestling prospect, Jake Rosholt redeemed himself by winning convincingly.

In the first round Rosholt came out scoring with leg kicks and seemed to win the early standing exchanges. But then Chris Leben got a take down and found himself in the wrestler's guard. Rosholt quickly got top position and went on to dominate the round.

But early in the second, Leben scored with a big left hand and dropped Rosholt. The crowd chanted LEBEN LEBEN as Chris fought from within Rosholt's guard. Rosholt's guard play was primitive, but enough to protect himself and force a stand-up. Leben scored with a high kick and then scored the NCAA champ up against the fence where he scored with foot stomp. With one minute left, Rosholt got a takedown and cradled Leben. Then working from 1/2 guard, Rosholt's coach Marc Laimon screamed "explode to mount" as the wrestler floundered and let Leben stand.

Rosholt had a deer-in-headlights quality as Leben attacked. Nonetheless his corner called for the finish in the final round.

In the final round, Rosholt got a quick takdown into 1/2 guard. He attainded mount  briefly but Leben recaptured guard. Rosholt landed strong ground and pound from the top then moved into an arm triangle and got the tap with 3:30 left in the final round.