However, NCAA fans aren’t the only ones benefiting from the first wrestling show in UFC FIGHT PASS history. Mineo says that with the teams competing and the dogs making up the rosters, MMA fans should be equally excited for the event whether they are wrestling fans or not.
“I’m especially excited to see Mason Parris, the Michigan Heavyweight All-American. MMA fans should keep an eye out for him,” Mineo said. “I know he has aspirations in WWE, but the 6’2″, 260 pound specimen could really be a strong contender for the UFC. He’s aggressive, deceptively fast and just an overall freak. Another name I’m excited to see is Austin O’Connor , four-time All-American and UNC NCAA champion. His toughness is something even MMA fans can respect. O’Connor struggled through the conference and NCAA tournament last year with a torn ACL and still made it to the podium for All-American honors. A torn ACL couldn’t even keep him off the mat. That’s pure courage, and if he’s healthy enough, you’ll see him back on the carpet on Veterans Day. I could absolutely see O’Connor in the UFC one day. That mental toughness and that res Pain istance is something you cannot teach.
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Mineo and the rest of The Wrestling Room appreciate the outside-the-box thinking of the coaches and personalities close to the event who have helped the event come together. People preach “grow the sport” until the people in their conversation can finish the sentence for them, but when it comes time to put in the creative and administrative work to bring about that change, everyone seems to shut up.
“I will absolutely listen and promote this one all over The Wrestling Room,” Mineo said. “I have so much respect for the three coaches, Scotti Sentes, Coleman Scott and Sean Bormet. Few coaches like to deviate from the ‘norm’ when it comes to timing and events, but these three have saw a great opportunity and put it on the line to honor our veterans Big respect to Campbell for putting this together and facing two top schools in the Power Five conferences Coach Scotti Sentes never backs down I must also mention my friend, beloved StaleMates CEO Zach Bogle who dedicates so much time and effort to growing our sport. Without Zach this might not have happened. I have been supporting his platform since its very first show and it was a pleasure to see him become such an influential and important part of the wrestling community.
There’s still a long way to go before NCAA wrestling is as high on the food chain as it should be, but events like Battle At Bragg are a step in the right direction.
Catch Battle At Bragg Friday, November 11, LIVE from historic Fort Bragg, ONLY on UFC FIGHT PASS!
