A former Wisconsin Badgers standout wrestler will be stepping in against an icon of the sport during the first official event for the organization.
Dean Hamiti, a former star at 165 pounds and 174 pounds for Wisconsin, announced that he will take on two-time Olympic bronze medalist Kyle Dake at Real American Freestyle 01. Real American Freestyle, or RAF, is a new, unscripted wrestling organization that will give top former and current collegiate and international wrestlers a place to compete. Hamiti most recently won the 174 pound title at the NCAA Wrestling Championships after transferring to Oklahoma State.
During his time with the Wisconsin Badgers, Hamiti finished with a record of 81-14 during his three seasons with the program. Hamiti placed sixth at the NCAA Championships as a sophomore with the Badgers and then earned a third consecutive fifth-seed at the championships the year after. Despite not finishing his career with the Wisconsin Badgers, Hamiti remains one of the most talented wrestlers to travel through the program in recent history.
Former Wisconsin Badgers Wrestler Dean Hamiti to Wrestle Two-Time Olympic Bronze Medalist Kyle Dake
Fresh off of his championship run, Hamiti will make his first major appearance against not only an icon of the sport, but also arguably his toughest competition to date. Kyle Dake, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, four-time world champion, and a four-time NCAA champion at four different weights (141, 149, 157, 165), will be the opponent Hamiti has agreed to face.
Dake was scheduled to wrestle Aeoden Sinclair, a native of Edgerton, Wisconsin, and a three-time state champion who is currently a redshirt freshman at Missouri. Sinclair was forced to pull out, however, which now allows Hamiti to step in his place. The Illinois native could pose a threat against Dake due to his length and size, but defeating the legend will be an incredibly difficult task.
For the former Wisconsin Badgers wrestler Hamiti, attacking Dake with incredible pace and aiming to stay low is the only path to victory. Dake is arguably one of the hardest wrestlers to score on and his combination of quick bursts of speed and power make him dangerous. Dake is known for his throws and utilizing his leverage, which could lead to disaster for the taller Hamiti who will have a two inch advantage over Dake.
Beating Dake is obviously a difficult task for any wrestler, but some have been successful and the keys to doing so have involved keeping the attacks of Dake at bay. The wrestler is dangerous when he is able to work and gain a positional advantage which allows him to utilize his leverage and subsequently land points. If Hamiti can outwork Dake and keep the wrestler in a position where he cannot land his powerful moves, then Hamiti could sneak away with a win.
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