Tag Archives: Wrestling

USA Wrestling postpones National and Regional events through July 1

Due to the nature of what it would entail to host a national or regional USA Wrestling competition, with the first priority being the health and safety of all participants involved, USA Wrestling has extended the postponement of its national and regional events through July 1.

In addition to the 10 national and regional events that USA Wrestling previously postponed through May 10, there are 10 additional events which have now been postponed:

    • Western Regional Championships, Farmington, UT, May 14-16
    • Northern Plains Regional Championships, Rochester, MN, May 15-17
    • Central Regional Championships, Fort Wayne, IN, May 15-17
    • Southeast Regional Championships, Wilmington, NC, May 22-24
    • UWW U23 & Junior World Team Trials, Geneva, OH, May 29-31    
    • Southern Plains Regional Championships, Dodge City, KS, June 5-7
    • 16U National Duals, Loves Park, IL, June 9-13
    • 14U National Duals, Franklin, IN, June 10-14
    • Junior National Duals, Tulsa, OK, June 16-20
    • USA Wrestling Kids Nationals, Wisconsin Dells, WI, June 25-27

Working with its COVID-19 Advisory Committee and relying on current advice from health and government agencies, USA Wrestling is currently formulating the specific safety measures that must be put in place in order for the resumption of club practice and local or state competitions. Any such activity will only be possible when held under the guidelines set by local and state health authorities and in compliance with the safety measures being developed for the sport. 

As this situation regarding this pandemic remains fluid and ever-evolving, USA Wrestling will continue to monitor its policies regarding National and Regional events, sanctioned events and club practices, and additional changes to these policies are possible. 

Beat The Streets ‘Grapple At The Garden’ To Be Postponed Until Later in 2020

Annual Event Was Scheduled For May 28 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

(New York, April 2, 2020)—Beat The Streets, the largest grassroots inner-city wrestling program in the United States, today announced that “Grapple At The Garden,” its annual fundraiser which was to be held on Thursday, May 28, has been postponed due to the current COVID-19 outbreak. The organization is entertaining several dates and formats for a rescheduled event later in the summer.


“Our primary focus is the health and safety of all involved, especially our supporters, our athletes and staff, and in order to be properly prepared for what is always a celebratory first class event for all, we have decided to postpone our late May date,” said Brendan Buckley, Beat the Streets Executive Director. “We are working with our partners at Madison Square Garden and all our stakeholders to find the most effective date in the coming months.”


“Grapple at the Garden” made a highly successful, sold-out debut at the Hulu Theater in 2019 following nearly a decade at various other iconic New York City venues.


About Beat the Streets


The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life-changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.

USA Wrestling suspends sanctioned events and national events through May 10

March 31, 2020 – With unanimous support of the USA Wrestling COVID-19 Advisory Committee, USA Wrestling has suspended all sanctioned events and national events through May 10.

This is an extension of a previous suspension of activities announced on March 16, which discontinued sanctioned events through April 6 and postponed or canceled national events through April 20.

For USA Wrestling, our number one priority is always the safety of our athletes and their families, all our members, our national staff and the entire U.S. wrestling community.

This decision aligns USA Wrestling with the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s guidance from March 16 that no gatherings of 50 or more people take place for the following eight weeks.

The USA Wrestling COVID-19 Advisory Committee includes Dr. Tom Price, a physician who is past U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and past member of Congress; Dr. Bernard Feldman, UWW Medical Commission member and Hall of Fame wrestling physician; and John Bardis, past U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, and a longtime USA Wrestling leader who has a successful career in the medical industry.

Also included on the COVID-19 Advisory Committee calls are USA Wrestling President Bruce Baumgartner, Executive Director Rich Bender and all of USA Wrestling’s staff directors, so they can communicate directly to their constituent groups.

In addition to the seven USA Wrestling National and Regional events postponed in March and April, three additional events have been postponed:

o Northeast Regional Championships, Manalapan, N.J. – May 1-3, 2020

o USA Wrestling Women’s National Championships, Irving, Texas – May 8-10, 2020

o U.S. Beach and Belt National Championships, Carolina Beach, N.C.– May 8-9, 2020

There are many things that USA Wrestling members can do in the short term. USA Wrestling has launched TheMat.tv, an expanded video portal, as well as a COVID-19 section on its website TheMat.com with other resources. Many state associations and clubs are having online practices. Many of USA Wrestling’s partner organizations are also providing programs and materials. In-home training, cross training and running are also great ideas as allowed by local government and health authorities.

USA Wrestling is monitoring this situation daily. Please understand that this situation is fluid, and there may be further changes to this and other USA Wrestling policies based on national and local government regulations and advice from medical experts, including the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization, and USA Wrestling’s COVID-19 Advisory Committee. Additionally, USA Wrestling advises all of its members to refer to their state and local health agencies for guidance about the COVID-19 situation in their area.

USA Wrestling has been, and will continue to meet regularly with state leaders, National Team athletes and others to inform and support them, as well as receive their input.

USA Wrestling has pledged to increase its direct communication with its members moving forward, including opportunities to receive information directly from members of the COVID-19 Advisory Committee.

USA Wrestling is updating a page on its website solely devoted to COVID-19 at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/March/14/COVID-19-Special-Section. This page includes links to resources for the wrestling community, as well as lists of statements, press releases and articles that will update and educate all members about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beat the Streets Annual Benefit Returns to the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden May 28 Following Sold-Out Event Last Year


Top U.S. Men’s and women’s wrestlers expected to compete in ‘Grapple at the Garden,’
 
 
11th annual fundraiser to help raise money for youth non-profit Beat the Streets
 
 
NEW YORK– One of the highlights on the annual amateur wrestling calendar returns for the 11th straight year as Beat the Streets Wrestling (BTS), the largest grassroots inner city wrestling program in the United States, and USA Wrestling today announced that the annual BTS benefit will be held on Thursday, May 28. The thrilling night of wrestling, dubbed “Grapple at the Garden,” will again be held at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden after making a highly successful, sold-out debut there in 2019 following nearly a decade at various other iconic New York City venues.
 
 
The bouts will again be followed by the annual Benefit Celebration, which recognizes not only the elite athletes who compete at the event but also the BTS standout youth wrestlers who epitomize the work that the not-for-profit organization does year-round. Expected to compete are BTS wrestlers along with a national high school All-Star match-up, NCAA Champions and international Olympic men and women, and potentially mixed martial arts athletes who began as wrestlers.
 
 
Ticket information as well as the athletes, matchups, schedule and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.
 
 
“We couldn’t have been more pleased with the response to our first year at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden,” said Beat the Streets Executive Director Brendan Buckley. “The sold-out crowd brought a non-stop energy, fueled by world-class wrestling action from top to bottom. We expect it will be an even hotter ticket this year with the Tokyo Olympics on the horizon.”
 
 
“The Board of Beat the Streets is excited to present another outstanding competition as we raise funds for the youth of New York City,” added BTS Chairman of the Board Ray Barczak. “The support we receive from donors, fans and others during our annual benefit allows us to achieve our mission. With more than 3,000 male and female student-athletes participating in more than 150 programs across the region, Beat the Streets is in its 14th year of changing lives and providing opportunities that truly make a difference.”
 
 
Beat the Streets Benefit competitions began in 2010 and have since become a major showcase of the best of international wrestling. This unique and electrifying annual event has helped BTS raise millions of dollars to support local youth wrestling programs which empower young people in New York City. The 2019 event raised $1.3 million for the organization. Appearances by Olympic champions Jordan Burroughs (2012, gold), Kyle Snyder (2016, gold) and J’den Cox (2016, bronze) and local favorites like Nick Suriano (Rutgers University/Paramus, N.J.), James Green (Willingboro, N.J.) and Anthony Ashnault (Rutgers/So. Plainfield, N.J.) were among the night’s many crowd-pleasing highlights.
 
 
The first Beat the Streets Benefit was held on the U.S.S. Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Since then, the benefit has taken place at other notable New York City spots like Grand Central Terminal and Times Square. Team USA has faced off against teams from around the world including Japan, Cuba, Russia, Iran and Canada, as well as international all-star teams. In 2018, the competition was hosted at the new Pier 17 in the Seaport District and included the highly anticipated Burroughs vs. Frank Chamizo (Italy) match.
 
 
New York City’s Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous sporting and entertainment venues in the world. The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden is an impressive venue with the capacity to seat over 5,000. The theater has hosted notable wrestling events including the 1998 Goodwill Games wrestling competition and the 2017 Grapple at the Garden college wrestling event.
 
 
About Beat the Streets
 
 
The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.
 
 
About USA Wrestling
 
 
USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. It has over 250,000 members across the nation, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, representing all levels of the sport. Its president is Bruce Baumgartner, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. More information can be found at TheMat.com 

Annual Benefit, ‘Grapple At The Garden’ Raises $1.3 Million For Beat The Streets Youth Wrestling Non-Profit


NEW YORK, May 13, 2019–The excitement of a night of world-class wrestling at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, in which a sold-out, record-breaking crowd of 5,000 was treated to 13 electrifying matches, spilled over into the post-event Beat the Streets Benefit Celebration at The Wilson on Monday. And while the victories by Olympic champions Jordan Burroughs (2012, gold), Kyle Snyder (2016, gold) and J’den Cox (2016, bronze) and local favorites like Nick Suriano (Rutgers University) and James Green (Willingboro, N.J.) stole the show on the mat during “Grapple at the Garden,” it was the Beat the Streets youth wrestlers who were the real winners, as $1.3 million was raised for this worthy not-for-profit in support of programs which empower young people in New York City through the great sport of wrestling.
 
 
“It’s hard to put into words what the support of everyone involved in this great night means to these kids and our mission,” said Brendan Buckley, Beat the Streets Executive Director. “The wrestling community responds year after year to this important cause, and not only did they get to enjoy an amazing night of unbelievably high-level wrestling at a historic venue like the Hulu Theater at MSG, but they also went away with the knowledge that they make everything we do at Beat the Streets a reality. We couldn’t me more pleased and can’t wait to grow this even bigger next year.”
 
 
The award winners announced at the Benefit Celebration include:

· 
Junior League Female Wrestler of the Year: Sujeydy Matos, Inwood Academy for Leadership
 

· 
Junior League Male Wrestler of the Year: Sulayman Bah, MS 129
 
 

· 
Become Your Own Dream Foundation Scholarship: Adrian Rosario Beato, Mott Haven Campus – This financial scholarship is given annually to a New York City student-athlete who has overcome obstacles, worked through hardship, and plans to continue wrestling in college.
 

· 
Female Student Athlete of the Year:Lyn Kajihara, The Bronx High School of Science – This career achievement award is given to a female athlete who exhibits the greatest combination of academic and extracurricular success.
 
 

· 
Male Student Athlete of the Year: David Berkovich, Poly Prep Country Day School – This career achievement award is given to a male athlete who exhibits the greatest combination of academic and extracurricular success.
 

· 
Grit Award: Michael Babbcort, George Wingate Educational Campus – This career achievement award is given to the New York City wrestler who has embraced the grind and shown improvement through their tireless effort and dedication to the sport.
 

· 
Lady Liberty:Shola Cascen, Harry S. Truman High School – This career achievement award is given to the New York City female wrestler who has stood as the beacon of opportunity and promise, representing all that is strong and proud of New York City women’s wrestling.
 
 

· 
Atlas Award: Terry Adams, Monsignor Farrell High School – This career achievement award is given to a male athlete who has picked up New York City wrestling and taken it to new heights.

· 
Junior League Coach of the Year: Jonathan Khoury, Eagle Academy for Young Men
 

· 
Girls High School Coach of the Year: Ted Cook, Harry S. Truman High School
 
 

· 
Boys High School Coach of the Year: Michael Stern, Queens Metropolitan High School
 

· 
Assistant Coach of the Year: Barry Hart, George Wingate Educational Complex
 
 

· 
Volunteer of the Year: Jake O’Hara, Columbia University (‘14) s

Beat the Streets Benefit competitions, which began in 2010, have since become a major showcase of the best of international wrestling. This unique annual event has helped Beat the Streets raise millions of dollars to support local youth wrestling programs which empower young people in New York City.


The first Beat the Streets Benefit was held on the U.S.S. Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Since then, the benefit has taken place at other notable New York City spots like Grand Central Station and Times Square. Team USA has faced off against teams from around the world including Japan, Cuba, Russia and Iran. Last year, the competition was hosted at the new Pier 17 in the Seaport District and included the highly anticipated Burroughs vs. Frank Chamizo match.


New York City’s Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous sporting and entertainment venues in the world. The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden is an impressive venue with the capacity to seat over 5,000. The theater has hosted notable wrestling events including the 1998 Goodwill Games wrestling competition and the 2017 Grapple at the Garden college wrestling event.


About Beat the Streets
The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.


About USA Wrestling
USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. It has over 230,000 members across the nation, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, representing all levels of the sport. Its president is Bruce Baumgartner, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. More information can be found at TheMat.com.


2019 Beat the Streets “Grapple at the Garden”
May 6, 2019, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York



Final Results
 
122 lbs. (girls) – Valentina Bailon pin Elleny Seda, 3:22
138 lbs. (boys) – Jo Jo Aragona pin Adam Busiello, 4:06
Men’s freestyle – 57 kg – Jack Mueller tech. fall Nick Piccininni, 11-0
Women’s freestyle – 62 kg – Mallory Velte (USA) tech fall Linda Morais (Canada), 10-0
Men’s freestyle – 70 kg – James Green dec. Anthony Ashnault, 8-4
Men’s freestyle – 97 kg – Kyle Snyder tech. fall Nishan Randhawa (Canada), 15-1
Men’s freestyle – 125 kg – Nick Gwiazdowski dec. Derek White, 9-0
Women’s freestyle – 57 kg – Becka Leathers (USA) dec. Diana Weicker (Canada), 10-6
Men’s freestyle – 61 kg – Nick Suriano dec. Joe Colon, 3-1
Men’s freestyle – 86 kg – Drew Foster inj. dft. David Taylor, 0:31
Men’s freestyle – 92 kg – J’den Cox tech. fall Patrick Brucki, 10-0
Men’s freestyle – 65 kg – Yianni Diakomihalis dec. Bajrang Punia (India), 10-8
Men’s freestyle – 74 kg – Jordan Burroughs tech. fall Ben Askren, 11-0
 
# # #

U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Kyle Snyder Returns To Beat the Streets ‘Grapple At The Garden’ May 6 At Hulu Theater


Snyder vs. Nishan Randhawa (Canada), Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia (India) In Tenth Annual Youth Non-profit Fundraiser
 
 
NEW YORK–Kyle Snyder, who won gold at 97 kg the 2016 Olympics in Rio, will battle Canada’s Nishan Randhawa at the “Grapple at the Garden” Beat the Streets (BTS) benefit, May 6 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The addition of the superstar and longtime BTS supporter plus a matchup between two-time National Champion Yianni Diakomahlis (Rochester, N.Y.) and Bajrang Punia (India) increases the current number of scheduled matches to eight.
 
 
Snyder, of Woodbine, Md., a three-time NCAA Champion at Ohio State, will battle Randhawa at 97 kg. The youngest Olympic gold medalist and youngest world champion in U.S. wrestling history (he was 20 at the time of the Rio victory), Snyder also took gold at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships and silver last year in Budapest. Last month he continued his dominance with a clean sweep at the Dave Kolov International to win gold. Randhawa, from Abbotsford, British Columbia, competes for Simon Fraser Univ. in B.C. and is a Canadian junior and senior freestyle champion.
 
 
Diakomahlis completed his second season at Cornell with his second straight national championship at 141 lbs., and now owns a mark of 66-1 with the Big Red, including 47 straight victories. A four-time N.Y. state high school champion at Hilton H.S., Diakomahlis is a two-time Ivy League and EIWA Wrestler of the Year and a unanimous All-Ivy pick.
 
 
Bajrang, a frequent medalist in the World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other international championships since 2013, last November achieved the No. 1 ranking in the world at 65kg. Bajrang won five medals in all in 2018, including the historic first gold medal for India in the Asian Games, besting Daichi Takataniof Japan in the final.
 
 
“We’re excited to have our most recent Olympic gold medalist and one of our greatest ambassadors back this year,” said Brendan Buckley, Beat the Streets Inc Executive Director. “Kyle Snyder adds to a night that fans have buzzing about for weeks. We can’t wait until May 6 to showcase all this outstanding wrestling talent on the big stage of the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.”
 
 
The added matchups boost an already impressive slate that is highlighted by featured bouts between 2012 gold medalist Jordan Burroughs and 2008 Olympian Ben Askren; a match between current NCAA champion Nick Suriano (Paramus, N.J. / Rutgers Univ.) and 2018 World bronze medalist Joe Colon (Clear Lake, Iowa / Univ. of Northern Iowa); women’s bouts between 2018 World Silver Medalist Sarah Hildebrandt(Granger, Ind.) and Canada’s Dana Weicker, and 2018 Senior World Championships Bronze Medalist Mallory Velte (Sacramento, Calif.) vs. Linda Morais, also of Canada; and several other intriguing bouts.
 
 
The updated list of matches and weight classes is available below; the order is still to be determined, as are additional matchups. “Grapple at the Garden” supports Beat the Streets (www.btsny.org), the largest grassroots inner city wrestling program in the United States, serving as both a fundraiser for the organization and to celebrate its athletes as they compete on the biggest stage in the center of the world.
 
 
Tickets for the evening’s action are available now via TicketMaster, priced starting at $30 at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/3B005668AA091B69. A variety of donation packages which include “Grapple in the Garden” tickets are also available athttps://www.btsny.org/bts-events or by emailing molalde@btsny.org, beginning at $1000. Doors open on May 6 at 5:30 p.m., with the main event starting at 6 p.m.
 
 
For the fifth straight year, FloSports will provide live and on-demand coverage on FloWrestling.com.
 
 
Beat the Streets Benefit competitions, which began in 2010, have since become a major showcase of the best of international wrestling. This unique and electrifying annual event has helped Beat the Streets raise millions of dollars to support local youth wrestling programs which empower young people in New York City.
 
 
The first Beat the Streets Benefit was held on the U.S.S. Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Since then, the benefit has taken place at other notable New York City spots like Grand Central Station and Times Square. Team USA has faced off against teams from around the world including Japan, Cuba, Russia and Iran. Last year, the competition was hosted at the new Pier 17 in the Seaport District and included the highly anticipated Burroughs vs. Frank Chamizo match.
 
 
New York City’s Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous sporting and entertainment venues in the world. The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden is an impressive venue with the capacity to seat over 5,000. The theater has hosted notable wrestling events including the 1998 Goodwill Games wrestling competition and the 2017 Grapple at the Garden college wrestling event.
 
 
About Beat the Streets
 
 
The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.
 
 
About USA Wrestling
 
 
USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. It has over 230,000 members across the nation, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, representing all levels of the sport. Its president is Bruce Baumgartner, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. More information can be found at TheMat.com.
 
 
2019 Beat the Streets “Grapple at the Garden”
May 6, 2019
Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York

 


(Matches scheduled to date, Order TBD)

Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Diana Weicker, 53 kg (W)
Mallory Velte vs. Linda Morais, 62 kg (W)
Jo Jo Aragona vs. Adam Busiello, 138 lbs.
Nick Suriano vs. Joe Colon, 61 kg
Bajrang Punia (IND) vs. Yianni Diakomihalis, 65 kg
James Green vs. Anthony Ashnault, 70 kg
Jordan Burroughs vs Ben Askren, 74 kg
Kyle Snyder vs. Nishan Randhawa (CAN), 97 kg

Olympians Jordan Burroughs, Ben Askren To Battle For First Time May 6 At Beat the Streets ‘Grapple At The Garden’


Gold Medalist, Longtime Beat the Streets Competitor Burroughs Takes On UFC Standout Askren At 74kg To Highlight Tenth Annual Youth Non-profit Fundraiser At Hulu Theater at MSG
NEW YORK–
Two of the most decorated and well-known recent Olympic wrestlers will square off for the first time as 2012 Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs takes on 2008 Olympian Ben Askren
 as part of the 10th annual “Grapple at the Garden” Beat the Streets (BTS) benefit at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 6. Burroughs, who has competed at numerous past BTS events, will battle Askren, who has parlayed his wresting talents into a strong mixed martial arts career in the UFC and other promotions, at 74kg in the highly-anticipated matchup.

“Grapple at the Garden” supports Beat the Streets, the largest grassroots inner city wrestling program in the United States, serving as both a fundraiser for the organization and to celebrate its athletes as they compete on the biggest stage in the center of the world.
Burroughs, a four-time World freestyle champion (2011, 2014, 2015, 2017), has won eight consecutive BTS benefit matches, downing fellow Olympian Frank Chamizo
 last year in a thrilling, come-from-behind 8-5 verdict in the main event Supermatch.

Burroughs was a three-time All-American at Nebraska, winning two NCAA titles. The Sicklerville, N.J., native also competed at the 2016 Olympics in Rio but did not medal.
Burroughs has the most World gold medals in USA history with four, tied with John Smith, Adeline Gray and Tricia Saunders. His five World and Olympic gold medals trails only Smith, who has six. He also has won two World bronze medals, giving him seven World and Olympic medals in his storied career.


Askren, who went 1-1 but didn’t medal in his lone Olympic appearance, was a four-time NCAA finalist at Missouri, winning the crowns in 2006 and 2007. His MMA career has included wins in his first 19 matches, most recently at UFC 235 last month. He has fought for several other promotions, primarily One Championship and Bellator, in amassing his perfect record.


Both Burroughs and Askren competed at 74 kg at the Olympic Games. Combined, they represented the USA at this weight class for the last three Olympic Games.



“Jordan Burroughs is a great champion who has been a great supporter of Beat the Streets for years, and Ben Askren has made a name for himself with his outsize talent and personality to match,” said Beat the Streets Executive Director Brendan Buckley


. “This is a match that many fans have been hoping for, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring them together in a way that will benefit our BTS kids on what is shaping up to be a huge night of wrestling at Hulu Theater.”


The news follows last week’s first announced main event bout, between New Jersey natives 
James Green (Willingboro) and Anthony Ashnault (South Plainfield). Additional matchups in the Team USA vs. NCAA Champions main events will be announced in the coming weeks. Those will be preceded by several youth matches, with one previously announced: a 
battle of local State Champions in Jo Jo Aragona (Pope John XXIII HS/New Jersey) vs.
Adam Busiello  (Eastport-South Manor HS/New York).


Tickets for the evening’s action are available now via TicketMaster, priced starting at $30 at
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/3B005668AA091B69. A variety of donation packages which include “Grapple in the Garden” tickets are also available at 
https://www.btsny.org/bts-events or by emailing molalde@btsny.org, beginning at $1000
. Doors open on May 6 at 5:30 p.m., with the main event starting at 6 p.m.
For the fifth straight year, FloSports will provide live and on-demand coverage on FloWrestling.com.


Beat the Streets, Inc. will invite select members of the 2018 U.S. Men’s Freestyle World Team, which placed second in the 2018 World Championships and won seven World medals, as well as select top USA women’s wrestlers.


Beat the Streets Benefit competitions, which began in 2010, have since become a major showcase of the best of international wrestling. This unique and electrifying annual event has helped Beat the Streets raise millions of dollars to support local youth wrestling programs which empower young people in New York City.


The first Beat the Streets Benefit was held on the U.S.S. Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Since then, the benefit has taken place at other notable New York City spots like Grand Central Station and Times Square. Team USA has faced off against teams from around the world including Japan, Cuba, Russia and Iran. Last year, the competition was hosted at the new Pier 17 in the Seaport District and included the highly anticipated Burroughs vs. Chamizo match.


The 2018 U.S. World Team, which competed in Budapest, Hungary, featured 2018 World champions Kyle Dake, David Taylor and J’den Cox, 2018 World silver medalist Kyle Snyder, and 2018 World bronze medalists Joe Colon, Jordan Burroughs and Nick Gwiazdowski. Burroughs and Snyder are both multiple Olympic and World champions. Others on the USA team included 2016 World champion Logan Stieber, two-time World bronze medalist James Green and 2017 World silver medalist Thomas Gilman.


New York City’s Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous sporting and entertainment venues in the world. The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden is an impressive venue with the capacity to seat over 5,000. The theater has hosted notable wrestling events including the 1998 Goodwill Games wrestling competition and the 2017 Grapple at the Garden college wrestling event.


About Beat the Streets
The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.


About USA Wrestling
USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. It has over 230,000 members across the nation, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, representing all levels of the sport. Its president is Bruce Baumgartner, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. More information can be found at TheMat.com.
# # #

JOHN OLIVER UNLEASHES HIS FURY ON WWE BOSS VINCE MCMAHON

John Oliver has come a long way from “The Daily Show.” His latest monologue is both funny and pointedly critical of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Entertainment empire. It also could be considered as a great explanation of why the UFC’s fighters should also not be considered independent contractors, as Vince’s wrestlers are considered to be. The IRS implications alone are puzzling. How do Vince and the UFC get away with it? Hopefully this attention brought to the issue inspires change, but as for fans bringing critical signs to the event, I doubt we will see that. Fans know that they can’t get on TV if they don’t bring a sign the WWE actually wants to broadcast. Either way, if you are a fan, a casual observer, or a vociferous critic of wrestling entertainment, you should watch this entire clip:

FloSports To Live Stream 2019 Beat The Streets For Fifth Consecutive Year Exclusively on FloWrestling.com


Grapple at the Garden’ Moves Indoors To Hulu Theater At Madison Square Garden May 6, To Feature Team USA, NCAA Champions

NEW YORK — Today, FloSports, the innovator in live digital sports and original content, announced an agreement with Beat The Streets Wrestling (BTS) to provide live and on-demand coverage of the annual Beat The Streets New York City event, “Grapple at the Garden,” on FloWrestling.com.

This marks the fifth consecutive year of the event airing on FloWrestling. The annual BTS youth benefit will take place on Monday, May 6, from Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.

The 10th annual event, moved indoors for the first time in several years, and will feature stars of Team USA vs. NCAA Champions, BTS youth matches and more. Additional details will follow closer to the event.

The Benefit Celebration at The Wilson (132 W. 27th St.) will directly follow the wrestling competition. This unique and electrifying annual event helps Beat the Streets raise significant funds to further its mission. Whether it’s providing a safe, constructive outlet for our urban youth, fighting childhood obesity, empowering women, or uniting entire nations, BTS strives to teach persistence, dedication, and the value of hard work to achieve one’s goals through wrestling, and creates opportunities for personal and universal growth. BTS currently serves more than 3,000
student-athletes every year.


“It’s an honor to again partner with the Beat the Streets program for the fifth consecutive year,” FloSports SVP Global Rights Acquisition & Strategy, Adam Fenn said. “The program’s mission to provide youth the opportunity for personal development and teach the value of teamwork at an early age in a safe and social environment is something we are proud to support, while creating an all-star wrestling event that fans are excited about.”


“FloSports has been an ideal partner in bringing the outstanding Beat the Streets benefit matches to a wide audience that shares the values that BTS, our young athletes and many benefactors possess,”Beat the Streets Inc Executive Director, Brendan Buckley said. “Showcasing the work of BTS and our mission of developing urban youth as well as our goals of making a lifelong impact on NYC student-athletes is paramount. We are excited to continue this great work, and the broadcast of the BTS benefit by FloSports, which has long been a leader in the wrestling media landscape, is critical in highlighting the achievements of so many BTS kids in New York and elsewhere.”


To access live and on-demand coverage of the Beat The Streets New York City event and other wrestling events visit FloWrestling.com and become a PRO subscriber. A subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network, as well as the matches from the Beat the Streets program. The main event Team USA vs. NCAA Champions begins at 6 p.m. ET. Watch the event across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku or Apple TV 4.


Streaming more than 10,000 live competitions per year, FloSports continues to emerge as the global leader in live, in-depth, and on-demand digital coverage for passionate sports fans.
Tickets for the live event, priced beginning at $30, are now available, here
.
 A variety of donation packages which include “Grapple in the Garden” tickets are also available, 
here or by emailing molalde@btsny.org, beginning at $1000. Doors open on May 6 at 5:30 p.m., with the main event starting at 6 p.m.


About Beat the Streets
The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More
information can be found atwww.btsny.org.



About FloSports
FloSports, the innovator in live digital sports and original content, partners with event rights holders and governing bodies to unlock a world of sports coverage that true fans have been waiting for. Through live streaming of premier events, original video programming, and weekly studio shows, FloSports is growing the sports, the events, the athletes, and the fans. Current verticals under the FloSports header include Wrestling, Rugby, Football, MMA, Wrestling, Track, Gymnastics, and more.
 




TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK FOR BELLATOR’S RETURN TO ALLSTATE ARENA IN CHICAGO ON MAY 11


BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP MICHAEL CHANDLER DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST FEATHERWEIGHT KINGPIN PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ IN LONG-AWAITED GRUDGE MATCH LIVE ON DAZN



THE WELTERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX CONTINUES WITH DOUGLAS LIMA TAKING ON MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE IN SEMI-FINAL ACTION

 

PLUS: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT A.J. MCKEE MEETS CHICAGO’S PAT CURRAN AND THE RETURN OF FORMER WWE STAR JAKE HAGER 

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. on Saturday, May 11 is stacked with a must-see lineup of fights, headlined by current lightweight titleholder Michael Chandler (19-4) in his attempt to become the only man to defeat both Pitbull Brothers and put an end to their years-long rivalry, when he defends his belt against Bellator’s 145-pound champ Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4) in the main event of Bellator 221 – which will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

 

The co-headliner will see former two-time Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima (30-7) face undefeated Michael “Venom” Page (14-0), better known to fans as “MVP,” in the first semi-final matchup in Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. Each fighter has their eyes set on moving one step closer to becoming Bellator welterweight champ and taking home one million dollars.

 

In addition, arguably one of the world’s top featherweight prospects A.J. McKee (13-0) will face the stiffest test of his young career when he fights two-time former Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran (23-7) on Curran’s home turf. Finally, former WWE champion Jake Hager (1-0) returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since his first-round submission victory in January looking to continue his early dominance inside the cage.

 

An exclusive online presale for Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull takes place between Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. CT and Thursday, Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. CT, with tickets going on-sale to the general public on Friday, Feb. 22 at 12 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event will be available at the Allstate Arena box office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

 

Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull will be broadcast live on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

 

One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler reclaimed the lightweight championship this past December to become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, including Brent PrimusBenson HendersonPatricky Pitbull (x2), Goiti Yamauchi and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler from High Ridge, Mo., who now calls Nashville home, has had a slow-building feud with his May 11 opponent, verbally sparring with his foe following wins over Patricio’s brother Patricky and on social media. Now, the time for talk is over and both will enter the Bellator cage to finally settle the score.

 

Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 21th time. With impressive wins to his name over Daniel Straus (x3), Daniel Weichel (x2) and Pat Curran, he most recently defeated Emmanuel Sanchez via unanimous decision at Bellator 209. Moving up a weight class for the first time since Bellator 160 when he met Benson Henderson, “Pitbull” is planning to leave his mark in a new division and go down as one of the all-time greats. Having earned a finish in 20 of his 28 wins as a professional, the reigning champion has become synonymous with excitement and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when looks to become a simultaneous two-division champion on May 11.

 

Fighting out of Atlanta, Ga., by way of Goiania, Brazil, Douglas “The Phenom” Lima has been a mainstay at the top of the 170-pound division for the better part of three years. With wins against the likes of Lorenz LarkinAndrey Koreshkov (x2), Paul Daley and Ben Saunders, the 31-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the Welterweight World Grand Prix after a technical submission win against Koreshkov. A winner of nine out of his last 11 contests, the American Top Team product remains set on showing the world how dominant he truly is.

 

One of the most unorthodox strikers to ever compete, “MVP” has steadily worked his way up the welterweight ranks since signing with the organization in 2013. Known for his unique style and personality both inside the cage and out, every Michael Page fight is must-see entertainment. With an undefeated record of 14-0, and 11 of those victories coming by stoppage, the 31-year-old out of London Shootfighters advanced to the semifinals following a closely contested unanimous decision win against rival Paul Daley at Bellator 216.

 

Fighting out of Long Beach, Calif., A.J. McKee puts his undefeated record on the line against the former champ on May 11. Currently training alongside the likes of Aaron Pico,“Baby Slice” and Joey Davis at The Body Shop under the tutelage of his father, MMA veteran Antonio McKee, the second-generation fighter has been making quite the name for himself since joining the professional ranks. At just 23 years of age, “Mercenary” has set the Bellator record for consecutive wins at 13, having defeated Daniel Crawford, Brian MooreJohn “Macapa, Justin Lawrence and Dominic Mazzotta along the way. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, McKee will look to remain unbeaten and keep his name etched in the record books when he meets Curran at Bellator 221. A former two-time Bellator world featherweight champion, Pat Curran returns to the cage near his hometown looking to earn another shot at gold. Fighting out of Crystal Lake, Ill., “Paddy Mike” is in the midst of a three-fight win streak that includes victories over Emmanuel SanchezJohn “Macapa”and Georgi Karakhanyan. The longtime Bellator veteran, who debuted at Bellator 14 in 2010, owns additional wins over Patricio “Pitbull,” Joe Warren, Roger Huerta and Daniel Straus. Also, a two-time Bellator tournament winner, the 31-year-old’s return to the top of the 145-pound division begins with a tough test against McKee.

 

A native of Perry, Okla., Hager emphatically showed the world that he belongs in the sport of MMA with a submission win over J.W. Kizer at Bellator 214 in January. A collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American and set the school record for most pins at the 285-pound weight class in a single season with 30. Following graduation and a conversation with legendary pro wrestling announcer and fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager made the transition to professional wrestling and signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. While in WWE, Hager would go on to claim multiple coveted professional titles during his time with the organization, including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship and WWE United States Championship. Now, the man also known to fans around the globe as “Jack Swagger” will return to action MMA action in Chicago against a soon-to-be-announced heavyweight opponent.

 

Updated Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull Card:

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (19-4) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4)

Welterweight World Grand Prix Semi-final: Douglas Lima (30-7) vs. Michael “Venom” Page (14-0)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: A.J. McKee (13-0) vs. Pat Curran (23-7)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Jake Hager (1-0) vs. TBA

 
*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.