Jordan Burroughs returns to wrestling with Real American Freestyle

Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs is returning to competitive wrestling through a new professional promotion, Real American Freestyle (RAF). After retiring following the 2024 world championships, the 38-year-old six-time world champion will compete in Cleveland this Saturday against Sean Brady.

Burroughs expressed interest in potentially qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, despite acknowledging the difficulty of competing at age 40. He noted that the move to professional wrestling allows athletes to be treated as ‘true professionals’ rather than amateurs, which he believes is pushing the culture of the sport forward.

Following his match in Cleveland, Burroughs is scheduled to face former world champion Magomed Kurbanaliev in Moscow on September 5. RAF aims to provide wrestlers with financial opportunities and plans to expand its international events to regions including India, the Middle East, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Japan.