Kyle Dake vs. Boris Makoev: Cruiserweight World Title Defense at RAF02

He’s one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history. A four-time NCAA champ. A four-time World champ. An Olympic medalist. And now, a Real American Freestyle World Champion.

At RAF02, Kyle Dake steps back onto the mat to defend his Cruiserweight World Title—and he’ll do it against a name that’s been haunting brackets for over a decade: Boris Makoev of Slovakia.

Kyle Dake: The Reign Begins

There’s not much left for Kyle Dake to prove—but don’t tell him that.

The Cornell legend and seven-time World/Olympic medalist has made a career out of dominating every phase of wrestling. From his historic four NCAA titles at four different weights to his World dominance at 74 and 79kg, Dake’s style is suffocating. He controls ties. Punishes mistakes. And doesn’t give up easy points—ever.

Dake claimed RAF’s Cruiserweight crown in Cleveland with a textbook performance. It wasn’t flashy. It was surgical. Now, just two months later, he’ll put it on the line against a battle-tested international threat with real credentials.

Boris Makoev: Slovakia’s Silent Threat

Boris Makoev doesn’t do hype. He just keeps showing up in medal matches.

The Slovakian veteran is a two-time Olympian and a former World silver medalist (2017). He’s reached the podium at every major level, including a World bronze in 2022, and has remained a staple of top international brackets for nearly a decade.

Makoev doesn’t rely on speed or explosion—he wins with pressure, patience and positioning. He’s not easy to score on, doesn’t fade late, and thrives in methodical, tight matches. He’s the kind of guy who frustrates opponents and capitalizes on any lapse in discipline.

The Matchup: Control vs. Calculation

Dake thrives in controlled chaos. He doesn’t just shut down opponents—he saps them. His head pinch, chest wrap and short-offense game are elite, and once he’s in the driver’s seat, comebacks are rare.

Makoev will try to slow things down even more. He doesn’t chase scores. He defends well, re-attacks smart, and doesn’t give much away. He’ll try to keep position clean, look for mistakes, and steal points when the moment’s right.

Expect a slow burn early. Both athletes excel in matches where the margins matter. But with a belt on the line, expect both to turn up the heat if the scoreboard stays tight late.

Why It Matters

For Dake, this is the start of a new legacy. He’s done everything in NCAA and FILA/UWW competition. But defending a pro belt in a league built for broadcast and spectacle? That’s new. And it fits. A win here keeps the title stateside and shows Dake’s game travels across formats.

For Makoev, this is a shot to re-enter the global conversation. He’s been a World finalist, a medalist, an Olympian. But taking out Dake in front of a U.S. crowd? That would be a statement felt worldwide.

For fans, this is substance over flash. Two world-class competitors. High-level tactics. And a belt on the line.

What to Watch For

Tie control: Both wrestlers excel in the hand fight. Whoever controls ties controls tempo.

Top danger: Dake’s chest wrap is a difference-maker. One exposure could swing the match.

Late scoring: This may be close deep into the third. Who takes the risk?

Championship discipline: Neither guy makes many mistakes. Watch for subtle battles: footwork, head position, mini resets.