When Explosive Fight Promotions heads to West Lafayette, Ohio this weekend, the next big star in Ohio MMA could be in action. Josh Rohler (4-0) will compete for his first amateur title, as he takes on Coy Bissett (5-2) for the EFP lightwight strap at “Rumble at Ridgewood.”
Just seven months into his mixed martial arts career, Rohler is a product of the same Rock Hard MMA gym that produced current World Series of Fighting bantamweight and longtime Ohio MMA standout Isaiah Chapman. He made his amatuer debut at NAAFS: Combat Challenge 26 in February, and just 70 seconds later, he was undefeated after submitting John Mumaw via strikes. Six weeks later, Rohler took out the much more experienced Derek Hays via kimura in just 47 seconds. Then he returned to NAAFS in April, when he again scored a sub-minute finish, as he knocked out A.J. Holloway in just 29 seconds.
Once upon a time Rohler was a top-15 wrestling recruit in the country, committing to Penn State before eventually settling in at Notre Dame College in Northeast Ohio. In high school he had the dubious distinction of being one of the best Ohio wrestlers to never win a state title, but he flourished in college, becoming a four-time All-American and winning a Divison II national title.
That blue-chip pedigree has led to Rohler being one of the best prospects in the Buckeye State, and he tested himself in his most recent outing when he faced Kentucky standout Chris Teague (4-1) at Gladiators of the Cage: The Road to Glory VII in July. Rohler eked out a split decision, but it was the clear fight of the night to everyone in attendance and both fighters gained valuable experience that will take them far in their careers.
“We both needed pushed and that’s exactly what we got,” Rohler said of his bout with Teague. But Rohler also has the advantage of training with one of the best fighters in Ohio in Chapman on a daily basis.
“It’s great,” Rohler said of training with “The Beast”. “He gives me a different look, which is something I need. He is super fast and loves putting in that extra work. He is a great fighter and I’m glad we can continue to push each other.”
Rohler’s opponent on Saturday will be somewhat of an enigma, considering the fact that his last bout came nearly three years before Rohler’s debut. Coy Bissett was known as one of the toughest competitors at 155 pounds in Ohio, finishing four of his five victories via stoppage before the long layoff.
But despite the fact that his opponent hasn’t competed since Osama Bin-Laden was killed, Rohler isn’t takng his fight on Saturday lightly.
“I don’t know about having an advantage but the one thing I do know is that I’m ready for war, Roher said. “Just because he hasn’t had a fight doesn’t mean he hasn’t been active in training. That’s the way I like to look at it. May the best man win.”
Rohler is also competing for his first title and his fight is billed as the co-main event for the first time. Many fighters would get a big head with accolades like that draped on them so early in their career, but just like most things, Rohler takes it in stride.
“To me, a title in amateur is good and all but it’s just another trophy,” Rohler said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to be able to compete for this belt but it’s just another stepping stone for me to accomplish my goals.”
Be sure to check back to BluegrassMMA.com for more on EFP: Rumble at Ridgewood.