Austin Gomez wins by technical fall, 11-0 over Lance Palmer

Austin Gomez wins over Lance Palmer at RAF01, scoring a quick tech fall with clean takedowns and par terre offense. In front of a Cleveland crowd rooting for Palmer, Gomez delivered a loud statement—and a Michigan flag plant.

Breakdown: R1: 11-0 Gomez

In one of the most talked-about bouts leading into RAF01, Austin Gomez stepped into enemy territory and put on a clinic. The crowd came to see Palmer make his return to the mat after years in MMA. What they got was a stark reminder of how dangerous Gomez has become on the world stage.

Businesslike Beatdown

Gomez didn’t waste time. From the opening whistle, he kept things simple. He got to standard leg attacks, finished clean and transitioned straight into par terre. That’s where things unraveled for Palmer.

Gomez locked up a gut wrench, turned it, then followed it with a textbook leg lace. Before the crowd had time to settle in, the match was over. Technical fall. Statement made.

There was nothing flashy about it. Just solid, fundamental execution at world-level speed and strength.

Cleveland Crowd, Michigan Message

Palmer had the building behind him. The Wolstein Center erupted when he walked out. He’s still a local legend, a four-time Ohio high school state champ and an Ohio State icon. The fans wanted to see him hold his own.

Gomez had other plans.

And he let them know it.

After the tech fall, Gomez mimed planting a Michigan flag at center mat—a not-so-subtle jab at the OSU faithful. The boos rained down, but Gomez stood unbothered. Message received.

A Tough Comeback Draw

To Palmer’s credit, just stepping into this match took guts. He hadn’t competed in freestyle wrestling in years, having built a successful career in MMA. Most expected him to slow-play a return. Instead, he took a match with one of the most explosive offensive talents in the world.

It didn’t go his way. But the moment mattered.

Palmer walked into his hometown with all eyes on him and showed up anyway. That’s more than most would do, and the respect for his willingness to test himself was felt throughout the building.

Gomez Is for Real

Austin Gomez is now one of the most dangerous freestyle wrestlers on the planet at his weight. Representing Mexico, he’s built his game into a complete package. He’s strong, fast and now consistent. The performance against Palmer only reinforced what insiders already knew—Gomez is a legit world-level threat heading into 2025 and beyond.