The rules are not incredibly complicated, but as with Tour ACW there will be a learning curve for both wrestlers and fans. There is a 30-second riding clock on top and no points for an escape. Reversals are given, but based on folkstyle rules. Takedowns are also based on NCAA rules, but there is a one-point pushout so long as there are two supporting points out. Matches are broken into three three-minute periods. No word on stalling calls.
The event is being funded in part by divisive Cage Fighter head honcho Mike DiSabato and Freakshow tournament director Ernie Ciaccio. The Askren Brothers have roles in marketing, matchmaking and match participation.
The event will feature four matchups. A brief overview, predictions and lines via amateur wrestling's best oddsmaker Brian Muir.
Aaron Simpson (+180) vs. Jay Borschel (-230)
Simpson: A professional MMA fighter with 17 fights to his name, Simpson is also an established presence in collegiate wrestling. While a wrestler at Arizona State, Simpson was a two-time All-American. After his wrestling career Simpson went into coaching where he was an assistant coach for almost a decade before transferring his talents to the cage. He's almost 40 and with nine minutes of wrestling, it could be a tough challenge for Simpson to keep up the pace with Borschel.
Borschel: Fresh off a runner-up finish at last weekend's Tour ACW in Pittsburgh, 2010 NCAA champion Borschel looked to be in pretty good shape for a post-collegiate wrestler. Now a coach at Northwestern where he is getting reps with 174 Lee Munster, Borschel's conditioning shouldn't be an issue. With solid top work, serviceable scrambling and a bigger tank, he should be the favorite.
Prediction: Borschel will rely on his gas tank and find points late, but don't be surprised if Simpson's early attacks are solid and he finds a few takedowns of his own. Borschel by 4.
Stephen Abas (+105) vs. Nick Simmons (-105)
Abas: The Olympic silver medalist and three-time NCAA champion at Fresno State, Abas is the most decorated wrestler on the Agon card. Fast, slick and creative, Abas was one of the first wrestlers to use "funk" as a common and effective defense to solid leg attacks. He's a tilt-machine, but to hang with Simmons he'll need to stay away from the front head attacks and look for quick finishes.
Simmons: The East Lansing Strangler earned that nickname after earning his four All-American crowns through a front headlock that seems to block off the oxygen and/or air to his opponents. A U.S. World Team member who placed fifth in 2011, Simmons has big move capabilities and can score from top.
Prediction: Abas will take down Simmons early, but the Michigan State grad should be able to find some reversals, counters from his feet, and turns to secure a win. Simmons by 2.
Lance Palmer (+220) vs. Jordan Oliver (-250)
Palmer: A four-time All-American and NCAA finalist for Ohio State, Lance Palmer is now making waves in MMA. Under the fight promotion RFA and under the watchful eye of Team Alpha Male, Palmer has started to amass momentum that should carry him toward MMA's biggest showcase, the UFC. He's been back in Columbus to train for this matchup and should have a nice weight advantage over Oliver.
Oliver: As an up-and-coming star for Team USA, Oliver was a two-time NCAA champion at Oklahoma State. Quick, technical and a hard worker from top, Oliver can score in bunches. Solid defense, time spent wrestling with the international push out rules and John Smith on his side means Oliver might have a better strategy heading into the event.
Prediction: Palmer is stronger and well-accomplished on the mat, but Oliver is quicker, younger and in the room with more consistency. Oliver by 2.
Ben Askren (Even) vs. Quentin Wright (-150)
Quentin Wright (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Wright: A two-time NCAA champion for Penn State, Wright is fresh off his last winning season. At 197 pounds last season, you can expect that Wright will be much larger than Askren. A big-move wrestler with great upperbody clinches, look for him to tie up Askren and make the smaller opponent come to a decision about how to get to the mat.
Prediction: Askren might look to create the scrambles he likes, or in contrast to Wright's active style, try to keep it slow and methodical. Askren can do both as well as anyone. Askren by 2.
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