Hildebrandt vs. Hernandez: Pioneering Women’s Wrestling at RAF01

On August 30 in Cleveland, Real American Freestyle puts women’s wrestling where it belongs—front and center. Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt steps back onto the mat to face Mexico’s Zeltzin Hernandez in a matchup that blends global competition, personal legacy and a bigger mission for the sport.

Sarah Hildebrandt: Gold Medal Legacy, New Chapter

Sarah Hildebrandt is one of the most accomplished wrestlers of her era. She’s a six-time world team member, a two-time world silver medalist and, most recently, an Olympic gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Games. For years, she was considered one of the sport’s most technically gifted athletes. Always close, always contending. In Paris, she finally got to the top.

That was supposed to be the end. Hildebrandt retired after the Olympics and spent the last year giving back—coaching, mentoring and helping elevate the next wave of female athletes. But the spark never faded. She stayed on the mat. She stayed in shape. And eventually, she decided the story wasn’t finished.

Now, she’s back. And not just for one more run. She’s stepping onto a brand-new stage and helping lead the charge as women’s wrestling takes its next leap forward.

This will be Hildebrandt’s first competition since announcing her return. She’s still sharp. Still focused. Still motivated. She also just launched her own signature wrestling shoe, adding another milestone to a career that keeps breaking new ground.  

Zeltzin Hernandez: Hungry for the Moment

A Pan American Games medalist and Mexican national champion, Hernandez has been a consistent presence in the international freestyle circuit. She brings a gritty, pressure-heavy style that wears on opponents. She’s strong in ties, good from short offense and capable of controlling matches when she establishes rhythm early.

What she’s never had before is a stage quite like this.

The launch of RAF marks a new era in freestyle—one that Hernandez is eager to be a part of. A win over Hildebrandt wouldn’t just elevate her name. It would resonate across borders and inspire a generation of young wrestlers in Mexico and beyond.

This is the kind of opportunity athletes work for. Hernandez is walking into Cleveland looking to seize it.

The Matchup: Veteran IQ vs. Relentless Pressure

Hildebrandt brings timing, technique and world-class composure. She’s slick in transition, excellent on top and rarely out of position. Her mat control is elite. She doesn’t force points—she earns them through precise setups and clean execution.

Hernandez brings heat. She’ll press forward from the whistle and look to dictate pace. She’s comfortable in the hand fight and looks to convert off pressure. If she can keep the match close early, she has a shot to create late momentum.

The key for Hildebrandt will be managing ties and capitalizing in transition. For Hernandez, it’s about keeping the match in constant motion and forcing Hildebrandt into extended exchanges.

Why It Matters

This is a competitive clash between two international-level athletes with serious resumes and high-end skill sets.

For Hildebrandt, this is a statement that her return is for real. For Hernandez, it’s a moment that could redefine her entire career. Beat a reigning Olympic champion on a global broadcast and your name changes overnight.

But more than anything, this match pushes the sport forward.

RAF01 is setting the tone for what a pro wrestling league should look like. Hildebrandt and Hernandez making history.

What to Watch For

• Opening control: Hildebrandt is dangerous when she scores first. Hernandez will need to break rhythm early.
• Scramble finishers: Both athletes are capable of scoring in broken positions. Transitions could decide the match.
• Pressure exchanges: If Hernandez gets to ties and keeps pressure high, she can force mistakes.
• Fan response: Expect a surge of support for Hildebrandt. But don’t be surprised if Hernandez earns her share by the final whistle.

The Stakes

This match is a chance to showcase what women’s freestyle wrestling looks like at the highest level—and what it could become with the right platform.

For young girls watching in the U.S., in Mexico and around the world, this is visibility that matters. These are role models on the mat. Athletes who’ve earned their way onto one of the sport’s biggest new stages.

Real American Freestyle promised to bring world-class wrestling to primetime. Hildebrandt and Hernandez are delivering on that promise.