LaDarion Lockett takes a lap around the mat after his gold medal performance
Photo courtesy of United World Wrestling
ISTANBUL, Turkey - LaDarion Lockett of Oklahoma emerged victorious in the world championships, clinching a gold medal at 71kg by defeating Seyedabolfazl Hosseini, the reigning Asian U17 champion from Iran in 2023.
The initial period of the match was uneventful for Lockett as he was placed on the shot clock due to inactivity. Despite his efforts to score within the allotted 30 seconds, Hosseini managed to receive a point resulting in a 1-0 score in his favor at the end of the first period.
In the second period, trailing by one point, Lockett swiftly sprang into action. He executed a single leg takedown on Hosseini, driving him towards the edge of the mat. Hosseini attempted to defend himself with a wizard but Lockett skillfully limped armed out and completed the takedown, earning two points.
Hosseini, trailing 2-1, wrestled with a renewed sense of urgency. He attempted a shot, but Lockett effectively countered by down blocking his opponent and swiftly gaining control from behind. Lockett wasted no time in breaking Hosseini down from his quad pod, securing two more points for the takedown. The score now stood at 4-1, and with only 20 seconds left in the match.
Despite Hosseini's efforts, he was unable to overcome the deficit. Lockett's determination ultimately prevailed, leading him to claim the gold medal in a hard-fought battle.
Ignacio Villasenor, of Colorado, secured a bronze medal at 45kg. His opponent, Agashirin Agasherinov, competed without representing any specific country.
The initial period witnessed Agasherinov being put on the shot clock, putting him under pressure. Seizing the opportunity, Villasenor grabbed a hold of his opponent's leg and forcefully drove him off the mat, earning a point for a step out. As Agasherinov failed to score within the designated time, Villasenor was granted another point due to his opponent's inactivity, extending the score to 2-0. Just before the conclusion of the first period, Villasenor grabbed another single leg, propelling Agasherinov out of bounds and securing an additional step out point. This brought the score to 3-0 as they entered the second period.
Agasherinov, determined to make a comeback, finally found an opening and scored a remarkable 360 double leg on Villasenor, narrowing the gap to 3-2. However, this would be the final score, with Ignacio Villasenor emerging victorious and claiming the well-deserved bronze medal.
Christian Castillo from Arizona, who had previously won a silver medal last summer, encountered a setback in his pursuit at the 51kg, his aspirations of adding another medal to his collection were shattered when he experienced defeat in the repechage round, losing 12-6 against Sadraddin Hasanov of Azerbaija.
The United States has concluded the UWW World Championship with a final score of 57 points. Showcasing their top talent, Team USA secured three gold medals and three well-deserved bronze medals.
Gold Medalist
71kg- LaDarion Lockett
55kg- Marcus Blaze
48kg- Paul Kenny
Bronze Medals
65kg- Brock Mantanona
45kg- Ignacio Villasenor
80kg- Zack Ryder
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