Evan Wick vs. Jason Nolf: Explosive Showdown Set for RAF01

Evan Wick and Jason Nolf are two are among the most creative and dangerous wrestlers in the country—and on August 30 in Cleveland, they’ll collide in one of the most anticipated freestyle bouts of the year.

This one checks every box: contrast in size, difference in style and two athletes hungry to push the sport forward.

Evan Wick: Built for the Big Stage

Evan Wick is tall, long and unrelenting. His body type isn’t typical in wrestling, which makes him a nightmare matchup for nearly everyone he faces. But it’s not just the physical tools that set him apart. It’s the gas tank, the mindset and the willingness to push through deep waters every single time he steps on the mat.

Wick is a four-time NCAA All-American with a unique resume—first at the University of Wisconsin, then Cal Poly. He’s been on the verge of international breakthrough for the last few years. In 2023, he made the Olympic Trials finals. In 2024, he followed it up by making the U.S. Open finals. He’s always in the mix. Always in the conversation.

This year, Wick made another big move. He became the first member of the new Askren Wrestling Regional Training Center in Wisconsin, returning to his roots with the mission of building something new while continuing his climb toward the 2028 Olympic Team.

At RAF01, Wick has a chance to notch the kind of win that elevates everything. His status, his name and the momentum behind his Olympic run.

Jason Nolf: Creativity in Motion

Jason Nolf is the kind of athlete fans pay to watch. A three-time NCAA Champion for Penn State, Nolf made his name with unpredictable attacks, relentless pace and the ability to wrestle from positions most others avoid.

His signature style has earned him a massive following—more than 170,000 fans watch him break down, build up and execute sequences that rarely look the same twice. He’s a tactician and a showman. And lately, he’s been pushing himself into new spaces.

In 2024, Nolf joined the cast of the UFC’s new BJJ competition series, proving his skills can cross disciplines. He still trains like a contender, still competes at a high level and still cares deeply about seeing wrestling get the platform it deserves.

And when the lights go on, Nolf always delivers.

The Matchup: Pressure vs. Flow

Wick brings pressure. He drives forward, stays heavy on ties and keeps pace high. His reach gives him a unique advantage in scrambles and he knows how to use his length to wear opponents down. On top, he’s suffocating.

Nolf brings unpredictability. His setups aren’t standard. His finishes often come in flurries. He’s dangerous in broken positions and knows how to use motion to pull his opponents out of stance and out of system.

This is a tempo war. Wick will want to grind it down and control ties. Nolf will look to open it up and keep the match wide.

Both are capable of big moments. Neither is afraid to take risks. That’s why this match could be one of the night’s most memorable.

What to Watch For

• First contact: Wick wants pressure. Nolf wants motion. Whoever wins the opening tie may set the tone.
• Creative offense: Nolf is known for sequences you don’t see coming. Wick will need to keep positions tight and clean.
• Stamina: Both guys are in shape, but Wick thrives in grind-it-out matches. If he gets his pace rolling, watch for control late.
• Fan energy: This is a fan-favorite matchup. Expect big reactions and national attention.

Why It Matters

Wick is right on the edge of being the top guy at his weight. A win over Nolf puts him there. Nolf, meanwhile, is proving he can compete across sports and still hold his own against the best in freestyle.

For RAF, this is what the league is built for—real matchups between elite athletes with something to gain and nothing to hide behind.