Jordan Oliver was a standout wrestler in Pennsylvania, finishing his high school career with a record of 175-5 and winning three state titles. His run of dominance continued into college at Oklahoma State, winning conference championships and earning All-American status in every year of his collegiate wrestling career, which also included two NCAA Division 1 National Championships. Oliver, the 2020 U.S. Olympic team trials champion, made his professional MMA debut at Bellator 298 last year, submitting Andrew Triolo.

 

Brayden Akeo had his own high school wrestling success, winning three state titles in his native Hawaii. Akeo made his professional MMA debut in 2018, winning his first three fights before receiving the chance to compete at Bellator 235, where he lost to Tywan Claxton. Akeo has gone 2-2 since, picking up a regional featherweight title last year.

 

Which wrestling standout will pick up the win in this showcase?

 

 

Round 1

 

Akeo flashes a right jab. The two trade leg kicks. One-two from Akeo after a lead switch. Front kick by Oliver. Akeo misses a left jab to the body. Oliver throws a leg kick, but Akeo catches it. Left hand lands for Akeo. Low kick by Oliver. Left hand from Akeo. Left jab from Akeo, followed by a front kick. Oliver misses a right. Akeo lands another right hand. High kick attempt by Oliver is blocked. Akeo with another low kick.

 

Oliver tries to work the jab. Oliver with a couple of low kicks. Akeo with a small combination. Oliver misses a left hook, but he does land a low kick. Round kick to the body by Oliver. Low kick from Oliver. Akeo steps through and lands a right hand. Low kick from Akeo. Oliver misses a pair of punches. Oliver lands a right hand, but Akeo still dodging most of his strikes. Oliver with a heavy low kick. Akeo throws a head kick of his own, but it’s blocked. Akeo looks for a body lock, but Oliver shakes him off. Akeo lands a left to the body after a straight right. One-two from Oliver. Akeo with a three-punch combination to close the round.

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Akeo with a right hand to start. Low kick from Oliver. Oliver misses an overhand right. Exchange in close, with Oliver landing the strongest strike. Oliver with a big body kick. Oliver level changes, but Akeo shakes him off. Oliver with a hard right hand. Low kick from Oliver, and Akeo responds with a right hand. Low kick from Akeo. Oliver misses a right hand. Oliver with a round kick and a left hand. One-two from Oliver. Oliver lands a cracking right hand in an exchange near the SmartCage!

 

 

Akeo trying to keep distance. Small flurry from Akeo. Low kick by Akeo. Solid right hand lands for Oliver. Front kick by Oliver. Left hand by Oliver. Akeo lands a right hand. Oliver coming forward and cutting off the cage. Akeo flashes his left hand. Left hand lands for Akeo with just over a minute left. Left hand lands for Oliver. Low kick from Oliver. Oliver continues to land the jab. Oliver lands another crushing right hand before the bell.

 

 

Round 3

 

Akeo trying to come forward with aggression. Jab to the body by Akeo. Akeo lands a right. Akeo throws another right, but Oliver changes levels and looks for a takedown, pressing Akeo to the fence. Oliver looks to elevate and gets to Akeo’s back while standing. Oliver continues to pressure Akeo against the fence. Oliver with a knee to the legs. Akeo with a Wizzer and changes position so they’re fence-to-fence against the SmartCage. Oliver scores a takedown, but Akeo springs right back to his feet.

 

Knee by Oliver, and he’s got Akeo’s chest against the SmartCage. Akeo gets his back to it, but he’s still unable to escape Oliver’s grasp. Akeo finally escapes with about 90 seconds left. Akeo throws jabs to get on the attack. Spinning back kick by Akeo doesn’t land much. Akeo misses a right hand. Akeo misses a spinning back kick. Oliver gets another takedown. Oliver lands a strong left hand and has control of Akeo’s back and wrist. Oliver lands a couple of shots before the bell.

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Jordan Oliver defeats Braydon Akeo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28x2) in a featherweight showcase bout

  • Oliver remains unbeaten at 2-0 as a pro
  • Oliver was a 2x NCAA D1 Wrestling Champion at Oklahoma State University
  • Olivier trains at Kill Cliff FC