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!

The opening match of the evening brings together two legends of the sport from two of the best programs in college sports history. Both wrestlers are coached by icons of the wrestling world. Mark Ironside is accompanied to the mat by Olympic Gold Medalist and one of the best coaches in sports history Dan Gable. Ironside also has his primary training partner Tom Brands on the mat warming up with him. Roman Bravo Young walks to the mat followed closely by his Olympic Gold Medalist and iconic coach Cael Sanderson. RBY is on the mat shooting takedowns with his main training partner Thomas Gillman before the match begins.

The match-up takes place at 133.5 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:

Mark Ironside is a legend of the sport and one of the most well respected college wrestlers of all time.  Mark competed for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 1994 through 1998. During his time at Iowa, he was a 4X All-American, a 4X BIG 10 Champion, and a 2X NCAA Champion. He is also the winner of the 1998 Hodge Trophy. This award is given each year to the most dominate wrestler in college. Mark is known for his aggressive wrestling style, and is capable of pushing the pace the entire match and has a habit of breaking opponents with this in your face style of wrestling. He is the essence of Iowa Style Wrestling. Mark has a career record of 127-10. Mark had an impressive winning percentage of .927

His opponent Roman Bravo Young, is one of the most athletic wrestlers to ever step foot on the mat. His unique blend of speed and strength, has made him almost impossible to score on. Combine that with the savvy mat strategy provided by Coach Cael and RBY has been a juggernaut. At Penn State Roman has been a 4X All-American, and 2X NCAA Champion. With a career record of 101-10. RBY had an impressive winning percentage of .909.

The Coaching:

You will not find two better coaches in any sport. Both of them have their wrestler prepared, and are going over some last minute instructions before the match begins. I over hear Coach Cael telling Roman to use footwork and keep circling while using his fakes to off set Ironside’s timing. On the opposite side of the mat Gable tells Mark to control the pace and center of the mat, and to force RBY to wrestle the entire 7 minutes. Both coaches encourage their wrestlers to get after it and not wait for the third.

The Match:

The opening match of the evening is officiated by Big John McCarthy, who seems to have a vague under standing of Folkstyle rules. The wrestler’s shake hands and after a loud LET’S GET IT ON! The action is underway. Surprising everyone RBY is in deep on Mark’s legs, and executes a beautiful double, to take an early 2-0 lead. After a restart in the center Mark is back to his feet and pushing the action, looking for a take down of his own.  Both wrestlers are active and looking for takedowns, but the period ends 2-1 in favor of Roman Bravo Young.

RBY starts the second period on top, but again Mark is up to his feet and out very quickly. 2-2 match. After a lot of hand fighting, Mark is in deep and drives RBY out of bounds to take a 3-2 lead into the third.

RBY starts the period on bottom and just like Mark he is up and out in 10 seconds. It’s now tied 3-3 and the wrestlers will decide this one on their feet.  Mark is quick to shoot, but RBY fights it off and counters with a shot of his own and he finishes for two. Before the points are even added to the score board, Mark is working a switch, but RBY cuts him to carry a 5-4 lead into the final 45 seconds of the match. Mark is the aggressor and is again in on RBY’s ankles, The Penn State Wrestler is able to fight it off but is pushed out of bounds for his effort making the score 5-5. As they return to center Roman fires off a quick shot just like the one he scored with in the first. Mark is ready this time and cuts the corner and secures the takedown and the 7-5 victory!

Mark Ironside-Winner

That was a hell of a opening match between two all-time greats!

Next Up: Steve Mocco VS Gable Steveson