UFC light heavyweight champion and US Olympian Daniel Cormier squared off against four-time NCAA champion and Olympic gold medalist Cael Sanderson in the 184 lbs finals of the 2001 NCAA wrestling championship. Cormier, who wrestled at Oklahoma State, was the last challenger left standing between Iowa State’s Sanderson and his chance to win a third straight NCAA title. In the match, Cormier showcased just how strong his wrestling skills are by taking down Sanderson twice during their match.
Both wrestler have moved on to accomplish great feats since their match. Cormier went on to become a two-time Olympian, Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion, and UFC light heavyweight champion, while Sanderson won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and has coached Penn State to four NCAA championships.
Watch the full match below.
Wait, so Cael won his fourth championship as a junior? Impressive
I only saw one real takedown in that match of Cael in that match. Solid wrestling from DC, but Cael was a beast.
YES !!!!! I knew it… while the tour is getting bigger, the show should do likewise. More special effects please… like the huge heart for “The Big L.” during the 91 join the joyride tour or the big baloons for e;08Joyrid2” or the incredible lightshow for “Crush on you”… during the 2001 European tour. I can’t wait for the autumn shows….