#ThrowBackThursday

#TBT​: UFC Champ Usman Downs Downey at ’11 Olympic Trials Qualifier

By Eric Olanowski

Kamaru USMAN ??, the reigning UFC welterweight champion of the world, defeated ’19 86kg world team member, Patrick DOWNEY ??, two-periods-to-one at the ’11 Olympic Trials Qualifier. “The Nigerian ?? Nightmare” lost the second period, but won periods one and three against Downey.

Usman, who owns a UFC record of 17-1-0, will look to defend his welterweight title against Gilbert Burns on Saturday (Feb 13) at #UFC258​ in Las Vegas, USA. The wrestling world is behind you. Usman! #UseYourWrestling

#ThrowBackThursday

#TBT: Snyder Upsets Defending World Champ Gadisov to win ’15 World Gold

By United World Wrestling Press

Kyle SNYDER (USA) entered the 2015 World Championships in Las Vegas as a prodigy. Though inexperienced at the international level, he had made a name for himself on the American wrestling scene. He had a junior world title in 2013 and a bronze medal at the same event in 2014.

Abdulsalam GADISOV (RUS) was the defending world champion at 97kg and was looking to become a two-time world champ.

But Snyder had different ideas.

In a battle that will long be remembered by wrestling fans, Snyder, backed by the home crowd in Las Vegas, stunned the Russian great Gadisov 5-5 to claim the gold medal in his senior world debut.

Gadisov was leading 4-3 when Snyder scored a takedown for two points, 22 seconds before the clock expired. The American gave up a point for stepout but managed to hang on for a 5-5 win.

With Snyder's win in Vegas at the ripe age of 19, became USA's youngest-ever world champ. He won the gold at Rio Olympics in 2016 to etch his name in the record books before his world-renowned rivalry with Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) began in 2017.