Returning world silver medalist Zain Retherford has officially accepting his bid to wrestle at Final X. He will face the winner of the US Open as he looks to make another world team.
At the US Open there are some big names including Hayden Hidlay, Alec Pantaleo, Tyler Berger, and Sammy Sasso.
Two of the biggest competitors last season are not at the open with Jordan Oliver signing with Bellator and serving a 2 year suspension and Ryan Deakin not being confirmed for the time being.
Retherford will most likely face Alec Pantaleo for the world team spot as he has shown that he is one of the best guys in the country. Pantaleo has multiple wins over Jordan Oliver who Retherford beat for the world team spot last year.
At last years world championships Zain put together a big run making the finals with a 7-0 win over Zurabi Iakobishvili of Georgia. He would fall to Japan’s Taishi Narikuni in the finals 11-0.
With a lot yet to be confirmed with who exactly will be in the weight class with the Russian ban somewhat lifted and Iran most likely not forfeiting first round this time the weight should become more interesting at the world championships this year.
