The match-up of the century is upon us! Two absolute legends from two different generations going head to head.  This fantasy match-up takes place in a sold out Madison Square Gardens in New York City, at an event called: Final Conflict.     This sold out show is also available on Pay-Per View Television all over the world!

This exciting match is the second of the evening and the opening bout of a 4-man heavyweight title match. Bout 1 is Steve Mocco VS Gable Steveson. The second bout of this 4-man pits Kurt Angle VS Stephan Neal, with the winners meeting in tonight’s final bout to crown our first heavyweight champion.

The match-up between Mocco and Steveson, brings together two of the best heavyweight wrestlers of all-time. Both of these men were feared on the mat by their peers, and both were NCAA title contenders right out of high school.

The match-up takes place at 275 lbs and will be contested under folkstyle rules, with just a few small adjustments. The 1 point push-out rule will be in effect. There is also a 30 second shot clock, while wrestling is being contested on the feet. For each violation of the shot clock the wrestler in violation will forfeit 10% of his purse. On the mat stall calls will come quick on both wrestlers if they are not working to improve position.

Let’s take a look at the wrestlers:

Steve Mocco is a legend in college wrestling, and for years the name Mocco, struck fear into his opponents hearts. Steve started his college career at Iowa, were he was a 2x all-american and 1x NCAA Champion. After his sophomore season, he transferred to Oklahoma State, and won his second NCAA title before finishing second his senior season. He graduated college with a 137-6 record, a Hodge Trophy, 4 all-american honors and 2 NCAA titles. He would go on to win 3 Pan American titles in freestyle. With a college winning percentage of .958.

His opponent Gable Steveson, is one of the most athletic heavyweights we have seen in a long time. He does things on the mat heavyweights shouldn’t be able to do. His speed is unmatched in the division and his knowledge of wrestling is equally impressive. Gable is a 3x all-american and 2x NCAA Champion at the University of Minnesota. He finished his college career with one year of eligibility remaining. During his final season on the mat, he won one of the deepest divisions college wrestling had ever seen. The 2022 heavyweight class had an incredible 5 world champions competing in the bracket. Even with all that talent, Steveson was still a heavy favorite, and he cruised to his second title. He finished his wrestling career a 3x all-american, a 2x Hodge trophy winner, a 2x NCAA Champion, and an Olympic Gold Medalist, with a 90-2 record. With a college winning percentage of .978.

The Coaching:

Gable is led to the mat by Minnesota’s own Brandon Eggum. Coach Eggum has coached Minnesota to 3 NCAA titles, 5 Big 10 titles and 8 NCAA trophies. He has also coached 9 individual NCAA champions.  Steve is accompanied by legendary coach John Smith. Smith is one of the most decorated coaches in college wrestling history.

The Match:

This heavyweight match is as intense as it gets, with both wrestlers pressed face to face as Big John McCarthy explains the rules. The wrestlers fist bump, and after a loud LET’S GET IT ON! The action is underway! Mocco is doing his best to force the ties and keep Gable from using his speed. However Steveson’s footwork is to much for the big man. After a quick misdirection Gable attacks with a outside single, and scores the first takedown. The period ends 2-0.

Steveson chooses neutral to start the second and after some hand fighting scores another takedown. This time he cuts Mocco, back on their feet Gable quickly drives Mocco out of bounds to make the score 5-1. After more hand fighting the period ends 5-1.

Mocco chooses top to start the third period, and quickly begins working a bar arm, however Gable is to quick and escapes at the 30 second mark of the period, making the score 6-1. Mocco is now getting aggressive as he knows the clock is working against him. He tries his best to force double under hooks, but Gable is just to slick and manages to score another takedown. Mocco is face down on the mat as the match time expires. With a stall call the final score is 9-1.

The two wrestlers exchange words after the match before leaving the mat.

Gable Steveson-Winner

The match ended up a lot more one sided then anyone would of guessed.

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