John “Maniac” Malbrough will be the latest in a crop of Houston fighters to take their talents outside of Texas. Malbrough will be taking on UFC veteran Jake Rosholt in Ponca City, OK this weekend. Rosholt was a standout collegiate wrestler at Oklahoma State, winning three national titles and taking All-American honors each of his four years there. He sports a 10-3 mark in MMA, including a submission win over top middleweight contender Chris Leben.
It will obviously be the toughest challenge of Malbrough’s career, but he is excited for the opportunity. “First of all, I am excited to fight someone who is a seasoned fighter and has shown great skill in the UFC. I am honored to be given the chance to prove myself.”
Despite the experience difference, Malbrough remains confident. “I am going into this fight like any other. I will assess his skill level, find the holes and work my game. I have trained hard. I just have to stay focused. All I can do is my best. I am excited, ready to fight. I know I am prepared. I can hold my own and we will see how I match up. Hopefully it opens up the door for me to take things to the next level. I look forward to having my hand raised at the end of this fight.”
Malbrough just suffered his first loss as a pro against Jonathan Harris, but he isn’t letting it bother him too much. “I wasn’t myself in that fight, and it showed. I can’t think about the past all the time. I just have to keep moving forward and improve with each chance that I get.”
After this Rosholt fight, his next chance will come against a very tough Craig Gardner in July at the Legacy show. “Craig is a great guy. I have trained with him before,” Malbrough said. “I have to put all that aside and look at him as any other opponent standing in the way of my goals and my future.”
If Malbrough can impress in these next two match ups, the future may be coming faster than anticipated.
John wanted to thank the following:
My coach, Tom McCusker, and my fight team at Kingwood MMA. Those boys put in as many hours as I do, and I am grateful to have them as my fight family.
All of the Houston MMA fighters who helped me cross train and get ready for this fight. Much respect.
Last but not least, my wife. We are a great team who support each other always.
Best of luck to John this weekend. Represent Houston well.
TCD you guys are the shitt!!! Thanks for the interview!!!
Wishing you all the best John!!
Good Luck John rep the H bro.
Get some John…
let me guess what your come out song is
“All do is Win, Win, Win…….” lol
Good luck ….chin. down and go go go……..
Where can we see results?
Was a great event,our fighter Andre Kavanaugh won his pro-debut,Randy Villareal had an awesome win over the stud Zac George,and John Malbrough put out a gallant effort against one of the kings of OK. wrestling as well as a UFC vet.But what can you say Jake Rosholt had a ton more experience.
Robert, do you have the results of the full card? I’d like to talk to you about it. Hit me up on FB or via email. Thanks man.