Former Wolfpack wrestler Max Rohskopf wins in MMA pro debut

Kelly McNeil, Triangle Sports Network

By Peter Koutroumpis

editor@trianglesportsnet.com

RALEIGH, N.C. –  It takes guts, perseverance, and belief to dream big and follow up accordingly.

For former N.C. State Wolfpack wrestler Max Rohskopf, the dreaming has begun turning into reality.

After featuring the aspiring MMA pro in a three-part series chronicling his journey from the Triangle to Las Vegas, a TSN follow-up on Rohskopf shows that he took the next step with a successful win in a match over Vincent Arrendondo at the  Wildhorse Pass Hotel and Casino in Chandler, Ariz. on Saturday.

Coming into the match with a 1-0 amateur record, Rohskopf’s first pro fight handed Arrendondo, a 4-0 amateur, the loss in his pro debut.

Where Rohskopf goes from here, who knows, but the 23-year-old has shown that he’s following up what he said he wanted to do.

Support for his triumph came from fellow Ohioan and NCAA All-American Jacob Kasper, a current heavyweight at Duke, who tweeted out: “Max Rohskopf is a name I won’t forget.”

Kasper’s subsequent tweet, a still shot from the World Fighting Federation (WFFMMA) live feed, showed Rohskopf, wearing an N.C. State T-shirt and Duke shorts, having  his arm raised in victory by the match official.

A nice showing of unity among Triangle-area grapplers.

Peter Koutroumpis: 401-323-8960, @pksport