Ruth v. Friev

Here is Team USA's Ed Ruth wrestling Spain's Taymuraz Friev at the 2014 Beat the Streets wrestling event hosted in Times Square in New York.

Ruth, a 3X time NCAA champ, appears to be considering a debut in Bellator MMA in late 2016.

Video of the Day - Sanderson v. Cormier

Here is Daniel Cormier wrestling Cael Sanderson at the 2001 NCAA Wrestling Championship.

Cormier (15-0, 4-0 UFC) next meets Jon Jones at UFC 178. Sanderson won the 2004 Gold Medal at the Athens Olympics in addition to a perfect NCAA career. As a coach, Sanderson has won 4 straight NCAA team championships.

2014 NCAA Wrestling Results

Here are the winners and runner-ups of the 2014 NCAA National Wrestling tournament. Penn State captured their 4th straight team national title with Ed Ruth and David Taylor capturing titles for the Nittany Lions.

Logan Steiber and Ed Ruth captured their third NCAA titles. Ohio State's Steiber has one more year left of eligibility to make a run at his fourth straight title. David Taylor of Penn State capped off an undefeated season at 34-0 and captured his second NCAA title.

Many of these elite athletes will try to continue a path of amateur wrestling, but some will come to mixed martial arts. Strength, conditioning, mental toughness, the ability to cut weight and quickness are all traits of most high level wrestlers.

The biggest skill that transfers to MMA is the ability to take someone down and defend the take down. However, the mental aspect cannot be overlooked as most of these guys take part in over 100 combat matches over a college career.

125- Jesse Delgado (ILL) def Nahshon Garrett (Cornell) via dec 3-2
133- Tony Ramos (Iowa) def Tyler Graff (Wisc) via tie break
141- Logan Steiber (OSU) def Devin Carter (VA Tech) via dec 10-1
149- Jason Tsirtsis (NW) def Joshua Kindig (Ok St) via SV
157- Alex Dieringer (Ok St) def Dylan Ness (MN) via dec 13-4
165- David Taylor (PSU) def Tyler Caldwell (Ok St) via dec 6-0
174- Chris Perry (Ok St) def Andrew Howe (Ok) via dec 4-0
184- Edward Ruth (PSU) def Jimmy Sheptock (Mary) via dec 7-2
197- J`Den Cox (Mizzo) def Nick Heflin (OSU) via dec 2-1
285- Nick Gwiazdowski (NC St) def Anthony Nelson (MN) via dec 4-2

Team Standings

1. Penn State - 109.5
2. Minnesota - 104
3. Oklahoma State - 96.5
4. Iowa - 78.5
5. Edinboro - 62

(2014 Wrestling Champs, click to enlarge)

Video of the Day - Walraven v. Rosholt

Here is Jared Rosholt fighting Jason Walraven in C3 Fights "Summer Slamfest 2" which took place on 8/2/13 in Newkirk, Oklahoma.

Rosholt (9-1), a three time NCAA All-American wrestler, won his UFC debut against Walt Harris and will next fight Daniel Omielanczuk (16-3) at UFC Fight Night 39 in Abu Dhabi on April 11th.

(Rosholt in the 2010 NCAA finals)

Rising Undefeated Heavyweight Prospects

The heavyweight division is where the biggest and baddest of MMA superstars reign. One punch from a powerful heavyweight and it is lights out. The UFC is always looking for the next great heavyweight. Here are guys who have the potential to make it one day to the MMA world's grandest stage.

The overall success of these fighters is dependent on many factors. Almost all need better technique in their stand-up game and better conditioning. Hopefully they can stay healthy while putting in hard work. Here is a look at some current undefeated heavyweights that will look to breakthrough to the big leagues.

Vitaly Minakov (12-0)- This 4X Sambo world champion from Russia made a successful Bellator debut in November, TKO'ing Vladimir Starcencov in the second round. He since has KO'd Ron Sparks and Ryan Martinez. Minakov has 1st round KO wins over UFC vets Eddie Sanchez and Fabiano Scherner. The 6'3" Minakov has weighed from the mid 230's up to the mid 240's. His striking has been on point lately.

Volkan "Cousin" Oezdemer (9-0)- The Turkish born Swiss fighter primarily relies on his Muay Thai game and possesses a blue belt in BJJ. On March 13th, he won 3 fights in one night to capture the Valhalla "Battle of the Kings" tournament. The HW champ of Lions FC, Oezdemer will have to improve his grappling when he moves to the next level of competition. He next fights Matti Makela at SHC 8.

Blagoy Ivanov (8-0)- The 2008 Combat Sambo world champ successfully bounced back from being stabbed in February of 2012 to defeat Manny Lara at Bellator 99. Ivanov has three wins in Bellator, and also TKO'd Ricco Rodriguez in an MMA event in Moscow.

Karl "The Wrecking Machine" Etherton (9-0)- This English fighter has finished 8 of his opponents in the first round, including his Bellator debut against Jason Fish (2-3). Etherton, the UCC HW champion has not faced quality competition thus far in his career. Bigger fights are on the way for this heavy handed Brit. Etherton's grappling needs to improve by leaps and bounds for him to remain undefeated.

Marcin "Tybur" Tybura (9-0)- Tybura is a Polish heavyweight with 4 submissions and 3 TKO's on his resume. He seems to be at his best when he throws a few punches, backs his opponent against the fence, then lands a takedown. From there, Tybur has a solid submission game from top position and strong ground and pound. He has 3 straight wins in M-1, last submitting Konstantin Gluhov (26-13) and TKO'ing Chaban Ka (6-2) and Denis Komkin (13-12) to take the M-1 Grand Prix. He should face a tough test in Kenny Garner next for the M-1 HW title.

Levan Razmadze (5-0)- The Georgian(Russia) is a big heavyweight who has finished all opponents earning 3 submissions and 2 KO's. Razmadze was a member of the Georgian national judo team and an alternate in the 2008 Olympics. He has primarily competed in the Deep organization, with submission wins over Ryuta Noji (16-7) and Kazuhisa Tazawa (7-2).

Jan "The Saint" Jorgensen (6-0)- The 26 year old former defensive end from Brigham Young University utilizes his big power standing and his highschool wrestling background to get the fight to the mat. He has fought exclusively for the Utah promotion "Showdown Fights" earning 4 KO's and 1 submission as a professional. Jorgensen needs to improve his submission game when he does get the fight to the floor.


Rapheal Butler (6-0)- The 6'3" Minnesotan currently fights right near the 265 pound heavyweight limit. In his Bellator debut, Butler KO'd Jeremiah O'Neal. Before that, he KO'd previously undefeated Brett Murphy (6-1) in just 13 seconds. Butler is (35-12) as a pro boxer and will need to dramatically improve his wrestling and ground game as he progresses to the next level of competition. As a pro boxer, he TKO'd Lyle McDowell (27-13), Dan Ward (29-19) and MMA's Iron Man Travis Fulton.

Denis Smoldarev (5-0) Nicknamed "Brock Lesnar" in Estonia, this 6'5" 250 pound fighter has combat sambo, judo and kickboxing skills in his arsenal. 4 of his victories have come in M-1, last TKO'ing Ibragim Ibragimov (5-2). A shoulder injury forced him out of his last scheduled bout in M-1.

Gheorghe Ignat (5-0)- This 8X national Greco Roman champion from Romania currently trains at The Arena in San Diego. He is training BJJ with legends Saul and Xande Riberio and boasts 3 submission victories on his resume. His striking needs to improve greatly to get to the next level in MMA.


Hrvoje Slade (5-0)- This 23 year old Croatian 220 pound heavyweight might make the drop to 205 in the near future. He threw punches in bunches in his last fight to KO Marko Igrc (9-4), a light heavyweight, at House of Gladiators 1.

Ken Hasegawa (7-0)- At 5'11" this 220 pound Japanese heavyweight would likely drop to 205 in a bigger organization. So far he has fought all 7 times in the Deep organization, last earning a first round KO over Hirohid Fujinuma (12-5).

Jared Cannonier (4-0)- This Alaskan heavyweight has yet to fight outside his home state. He defeated Josh Ofir (7-3) in his last bout. All 4 of his fights have resulted in first round finishes.

Steve Mocco (3-0)- I'm adding Mocco because many fighters are declining bouts against him. A 2008 Olympian and NCAA champion in wrestling, Mocco recently has trained at American Top Team. After winning his first two bouts via submission, Mocco won a unanimous decision against Lew Polley.

*If you know of any undefeated heavyweight fighters who are under or close to 30 years old, have not yet fought in UFC, and have at least 4 wins with at least one win in 2012, please list them in the comments section and I'll have them posted.

Video of the Day - Cormier v. Fekete

Here is Daniel Cormier wrestling against Nik Fekete at the US Nationals in 2008. Cormier next fights Frank Mir at UFC on Fox 7. Fekete will next be seen on TUF 17 fighting at 185.

2012 NCAA Wrestling Results

Here are the 2012 NCAA division I wrestling championships results. This year produced some awesome results, with Penn State, led by coach Cael Sanderson, winning the overall team championship.

Cornell's Kyle Dake captured his historic third NCAA championship at a third weight class, this time at 157 pounds. Dake won at 149 pounds last year after winning the 141 two years back. Unfortunately for MMA fans, Dake will likely try his hand at international wrestling before a potential MMA career.

The most impressive performance of the NCAA tournament was turned in by Penn State's David Taylor. Taylor destroyed the competition, registering four pins and a technical fall to capture the 165 pound championship. Kellen Russell took his second NCAA championship at 141. Matt McDonough won his first 125 pound championship after finishing second last year.

Many of these elite athletes will try to continue a path of amateur wrestling, but some will come to mixed martial arts. Strength, conditioning, mental toughness, the ability to cut weight and quickness are all traits of most high level wrestlers.

The biggest skill that transfers to MMA is the ability to take someone down and defend the take down. However, the mental aspect cannot be overlooked as most of these guys take part in over 100 combat matches over a college career.

125- Matt McDonough (Iowa) def Nicholas Megaludis (PSU) 4-1
133- Logan Stieber (OSU) def Jordan Oliver (Ok St) 4-3
141- Kellen Russell (Mich) def Montell Marion (Iowa) 6-4
149- Frank Molinaro (PSU) def Dylan Ness (Minnesota) 4-1
157- Kyle Dake (Cornell) def Derek St. John (Iowa) 4-1
165- David Taylor (PSU) def Brandon Hatchett (Lehigh) 22-7
174- Ed Ruth (PSU) def Nick Amuchastegui (Stan) 13-2
184- Steve Bosak (Cornell) def Quentin Wright (PSU) 4-2
197- Cam Simaz (Cornell) def Chris Honeycutt (Edinboro) 7-5
285- Anthony Nelson (Minn) def Zachery Rey (Lehigh) 4-1

Team Standings:

1. Penn State - 143
2. Minnesota - 113.5
3. Iowa - 103.5
4. Cornell - 90.5
5. Oklahoma State - 66

2011 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championships

The 2011 NCAA division I wrestling championships results. Bubba Jenkins won his first title, after placing 2nd while at Penn State in 2008. Jenkins, the champ at 157 pounds, is currently training at American Top Team, training to make his MMA debut.

This year produced some awesome results, with Penn State, led by coach Cael Sanderson, winning the overall team championship. In an interesting story, Anthony Robles, with one leg, managed to win a championship at 125 pounds. He has stated that it was his last match of his career.

Many of these elite athletes will try to continue a path of amateur wrestling, but some will come to mixed martial arts. Strength, conditioning, mental toughness, the ability to cut weight and quickness are all traits of most high level wrestlers.

The biggest skill that transfers to MMA is the ability to take someone down and defend the take down. However, the mental aspect cannot be overlooked as most of these guys take part in over 100 combat matches over a college career.

Jordan Oliver, Kellen Russell and Jonathan Reader all capped off undefeated seasons. Jordan Burroughs won his second championship, his first being at 157 pounds in 2009. Cornell's Kyle Dake captured his second NCAA championship, this time at 149 pounds after winning the 141 title last year.

125- Anthony Robles (ASU) def Matt McDonough (Iowa) 7-1
133- Jordan Oliver (OSU) def Andrew Hochstrasser (BSU) 8-4
141- Kellen Russell (Mich) def Boris Novachkov (Poly) 3-2
149- Kyle Dake (Cornell) def Frank Molinaro (PSU) 8-1
157- Bubba Jenkins (ASU) def David Taylor (PSU) - Fall
165- Jordan Burroughs (Neb) def Tyler Caldwell (OK) 11-3
174- Jonathan Reader (ISU) def Nick Amuchastegui (Stan) 10-3
184- Quentin Wright (PSU) def Robert Hamlin (Lehigh) 5-2
197- Dustin Kilgore (Kent) def Clayton Foster (OSU) - Fall
285- Zachery Rey (Lehigh) def Ryan Flores (American) 2-1

Team Results:

Penn State (PSU)- 107.5
Cornell - 93.5
Iowa - 86.5
Oklahoma State (OSU)- 70.5
American - 65
Arizona State (ASU)- 62.5
Minnesota - 61
Lehigh - 58.5
Boise State (BSU)- 57.5
Wisconsin - 54.5
*(Stan) - Stanford
*(Poly) - Cal Poly

Bellator Forecast

Last weeks Bellator - Chicago fight card was loaded with action. This week Bellator travels to Kansas City and features middleweight tournament fights.

Crystal Lake's Pat Curran set the night on fire in Chicago with a one punch right hand KO over previously undefeated Mike Ricci. Pat had advanced to fight UFC veteran and former contender Roger Huerta at Bellator 17 on May 6th.

(Curran KO's Ricci)

Submission specialist Toby Imada scored slick second round arm bar to defeat James Krause and move up the lightweight tournament ladder. He will face Carey Vanier (8-2, 1-0 BFC) who defeated Joe Duarte via TKO in the third round of his opening round fight.

Olympic wrestling phenom Ben Askren won in a slightly controversial manner over UFC veteran Ryan Thomas. Askren looked to lock in a modified guillotine, and as Thomas rolled it appeared Askren's hands loosened. The ref explained after the fight that he ask Thomas to give him a sign, and Thomas did not. A loud group of Thomas fans boo'd the decision, and continued to heckle that ref through the night.

(Chicago Theatre)


Ryan Thomas has been tabbed as an alternate, and will face undefeated Jacob McClintock at Thursday's Bellator 15. Thomas is replacing Jim Wallhead, who is grounded in the UK due to the volcanic ash from Iceland. Askren's oppenent has yet to be announcerd.

Sengoku's rising star Dan Hornbuckle (19-2) will also fight on Bellator 15 in the welterweight tournament, fighting Tyler Stinson (16-5). Hornbuckle is riding a four fight win streak, with back to back Sengoku KO's of UFC veterans Nick Thompson and Akhiro Gono.

(Dan Hornbuckle pictured)

BELLATOR 15 MAIN CARD

Dan Hornbuckle v Tyler Stinson (WW 1st rnd)
Jacob McClintock v Ryan Thomas (WW 1st rnd)
Steve Carl v Brett Cooper (WW 1st rnd)
Patricio Freire v William Romero (FW 1st rnd)

UNDERCARD

Dan Cramer vs. Dennis Olsen
Matt Lee vs. Ryan Quinn

(Cage placed over the band pit and front of stage)

NCAA Wrestling Championships 2010

The Iowa Hawkeyes captured their third straight NCAA wrestling title, winning big over 2nd place Cornell. Three Iowa wrestlers captured titles. Jayson Ness of Minnesota won the greatest honor in college wrestling, receiving the Dan Hodge Trophy as the wrestler of the year.

Many of these elite athletes will try to continue a path of amateur wrestling, but some will come to mixed martial arts. Strength, conditioning, quickness, mental toughness and the ability to cut weight are all traits of high level wrestlers. The biggest skill that transfers to MMA is the ability to take someone down and defend the take down.

125 champ Matt McDonough is a freshman, so expect continued success from him. Multiple NCAA champ Brent Metcalf will continue to pursue his wrestling career in the international scene. Max Askren, Ben Askren's brother, won his first title defeating a previously undefeated Kirk Smith of Boise State. Jake Varner took his second NCAA 197 pound crown and is looking at international competition.

125- Matt McDonough (Iowa) def Andrew Long (ISU) 3-1
133- Jayson Ness (Minn) def Daniel Dennis (Iowa) 6-4
141- Kyle Dake (Cornell) def Montell Marion (Iowa) 7-3
149- Brent Metcalf (Iowa) def Lance Palmer (OSU) 3-2
157- JP O'Connor (Harv) def Chase Pami (Cal Poly) 6-4
165- Andrew Howe (Wis) def Dan Vallimont (PSU) 9-3
174- Jay Borschel (Iowa) def Mack Lewnes (Cornell) 6-2
184- Max Askren (Miss) def Kirk Smith (Boise) 10-3
197- Jake Varner (ISU) def Craig Brester (Nebraska) 5-2
285- David Zabriskie (ISU) def Jared Rosholt (Ok St) 3-2

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS

1. Iowa - 134.5
2. Cornell - 90
3. Iowa State - 75
4. Wisconsin - 70.5
5. Oklahoma - 69
6. Oklahoma State - 65
7. Minnesota - 63
8. Ohio State - 62
9. Penn State - 49
10. Missouri - 48

Video of the Day - Askren v. Lewis

Here is rising MMA prospect Ben Askren wrestling in the 2008 US National Finals against Tyrone Lewis. Askren was the 2004 and 2005 NCAA runner-up at 174 pounds and was champion in 2006 and 2007.

He currently has a 3-0 MMA record with a purple belt in BJJ while training under the American Top Team banner.


(Ben Askren pictured)

NCAA Wrestling Champs 2009

The Iowa Hawkeyes captured another NCAA wrestling title, edging out Ohio State. Some of these elite athletes will venture to MMA. Darrion Caldwell's run in the NCAA tournament earned him Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament honors.

Many of these elite athletes will try to continue a path of amateur wrestling, but some will come to mixed martial arts. Strength, conditioning, mental toughness, the ability to cut weight and quickness are all traits of most high level wrestlers. The biggest skill that transfers to MMA is the ability to take someone down and defend the take down.

2009 NCAA Champs and Runner-Ups

125- Troy Nickerson (Cornell) def Paul Donohoe (Edinboro) 4-2
133- Franklin Gomez (Michigan St) def Reece Humphrey (Ohio St) 5-4
141- J Jaggers (Ohio State) def Ryan Williams (Old Dominion) 10-4
149- Darrion Caldwell (NC State) def Brent Metcalf (Iowa) 11-6
157- Jordan Burroughs (Nebraska) def Mike Poeta (Illinois) 5-1
165- Jarrod King (Edinboro) def Andrew Howe (Wisconsin) 3-2
174- Steve Luke (Michigan) def Mike Miller (Central Michigan) 8-4
184- Jake Herbert (Northwestern) def Mike Pucillo (Ohio State) 6-3
197- Jake Varner (Iowa State) def Craig Brester (Nebraska) 2-1
HWT- Mark Ellis (Missouri) def Konrad Duziak (Duke) 3-2

Final Team Standings:
1. Iowa -- 96.5 points
2. Ohio State -- 92 points
3. Iowa State -- 84.5 points
4. Nebraska -- 78.5 points
5. Cornell -- 73.5 points

NCAA Wrestling Championships 2008

Review of the 2008 NCAA Wrestling Championships - by the MMA Blaster

The NCAA Wrestling Championship tourneys have concluded and champions were crowned on March 23rd. Many of these elite athletes will try to continue a path of amateur wrestling, but some will come to mixed martial arts. Strength, conditioning, mental toughness, the ability to cut weight, and quickness are all traits of most high level wrestlers. The biggest skill that transfers to mma is the ability to take someone down and defend the take down.

125- Angel Escobedo (Indiana) def Jayson Ness (Minnesota) 10-3
133- Coleman Scott (Ok St.) def Joey Slaton (Iowa) Fall :49 R1
141- J Jagers (Ohio State) def Chad Mendes (Cal Poly) 5-2
149- Brent Metcalf (Iowa) def Bubba Jenkins (Penn State) 14-8
157- Jordan Leen (Cornell) def Michael Poeta (Illinois) 5-4
165- Mark Perry (Iowa) def Eric Tannenbaum (Michigan) 5-2
174- Keith Gavin (Pittsburgh) def Steve Luke (Michigan) 4-2
184- Mike Pucillo (Ohio State) def Jake Varner (Iowa State) 3-3
197- Phil Davis (Penn State) def Wynn Michalak (Cent. Mich) 7-2
285- Dustin Fox (Northwestern) def J.D. Bergman (Ohio State) 4-2


Final Team Scores

1. Iowa 117.5
2. Ohio State 79
3. Penn State 75
4. Nebraska 74
5. Iowa State 72
5. Oklahoma State 72
7. Central Michigan 69
7. Michigan 69
9. Cornell 67
10. Minnesota 61.5
11. Missouri 48.5
12. Indiana 43
13. Northwestern 41
14. Illinois 40.5