The 86 kg men’s freestyle series at 2025 Final X is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the entire event. On June 14, under the bright lights of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, four-time World Champion Kyle Dake will square off against World Bronze Medalist Zahid Valencia in a best-of-three battle to decide who will represent Team USA at the World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.
This showdown isn’t just a wrestling match—it’s a storyline years in the making.
Kyle Dake: The Grit and the Gold
At 34 years old, Kyle Dake has done just about everything a wrestler can do. He’s a four-time NCAA champion in four different weight classes, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, and a four-time World Champion. Dake’s legacy is cemented, but he’s not done writing his story.
He’s known for his elite positioning, suffocating defense, and almost supernatural ability to grind out tight wins against the world’s best. What Dake lacks in flash, he more than makes up for in discipline and grit. In clutch moments, few wrestlers in the world are more composed or more dangerous.
But Dake has shown signs of vulnerability in recent months, and that’s opened the door for a new contender.
Zahid Valencia: The Challenger on the Rise
Zahid Valencia, 28, is no stranger to success. He was a two-time NCAA Champion for Arizona State and a top-tier prospect for years. But in 2023, he announced himself as a serious freestyle threat by winning a World Bronze Medal at 92 kg.
In 2025, Valencia made the full transition to 86 kg and instantly made waves. He shocked the wrestling world by defeating Dake 8-4 at the U.S. Open, showcasing a dynamic blend of speed, power, and fearlessness.
Valencia’s style is built on aggression. He strikes early, scores in bunches, and keeps the pressure on with fast transitions and fluid movement. If he can replicate his U.S. Open performance, we may be looking at a changing of the guard in this weight class.
The Rivalry So Far
- 2018 Final X: Dake defeated Valencia in two matches (4-0, 4-3), controlling the pace and positioning.
- 2025 U.S. Open: Valencia flipped the script, scoring early and holding off Dake’s late charge to win 8-4.
That sets the stage for the rubber match. Dake holds the edge in experience, but Valencia has momentum—and a taste of victory.
Styles Make Fights
Dake’s game plan is no mystery: he wants to slow things down, win the hand fight, and shut down scoring opportunities. He’s a master at turning mistakes into points and thrives in matches that go deep into the second period.
Valencia, on the other hand, will aim to blow the doors open early. He’ll look to create scrambles, hit low-level attacks, and force Dake to wrestle out of his comfort zone.
If Valencia can score early and avoid Dake’s traps, he has a real chance to pull off the upset again. But if Dake controls ties and imposes his pace, he could remind everyone why he’s been the king at 86 kg.
The Stakes
This isn’t just about a World Team spot—it’s a statement. For Dake, it’s about proving he’s still the best 86 kg wrestler in America—and in the world. For Valencia, it’s about ushering in a new era and finally claiming the top spot that has long seemed just out of reach.
Final Thoughts
This matchup is more than just technique and takedowns—it’s about timing, legacy, and the hunger to represent Team USA on the global stage. Dake vs. Valencia at 86 kg has all the ingredients of an instant classic.
Don’t miss this one.
Final X takes place Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The event will stream live on FloWrestling.
