Mekhi Lewis vs Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov - Lewis’ Dagestani Test

Mekhi Lewis built a legendary folkstyle career for himself in his time at Virginia Tech. Now he’s trying his hand at freestyle and he’s matched up against his toughest international competition yet in Dagestan’s World medalist Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov.

Mekhi Lewis has the NCAA National Title and the Junior World gold medal. Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov has the European Championship and the World bronze medal. One has established himself as one of the best American collegiate wrestlers of his generation, while the other has stood on the podium against the best freestyle wrestlers in the world.

Lewis captured his first NCAA National Title in 2019 at 165 pounds, defeating two-time NCAA champion Vincenzo Joseph in the finals. He would cement himself as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Virginia Tech history, finishing his collegiate career as a three-time All-American and leaving a legacy that is still celebrated in Blacksburg.

In 2018, Lewis began his freestyle run and captured gold at the Junior World Championships establishing himself as an international prospect before his collegiate career was even finished.

His journey has included some difficult tests and very real international threats but at RAF 14 when he meets Gadzhimagomedov he’s committing to the next level of competition. Gadzhimagomedov is no ordinary opponent.

The Russian freestyle wrestler captured European gold in 2018 before earning bronze at the Worlds later that year. He would return to the European Championships in 2019 and take silver, adding another international medal to an already impressive resume.

Gadzhimagomedov built his reputation competing against elite international freestyle wrestlers, a very different path from the American folkstyle structure that helped shape Lewis. His international accomplishments make him a significant test for Lewis as he continues to develop his senior freestyle career.

Gadzhimagomedov would announce the end of his competitive career in 2022 and take on a coaching role with Dagestan's national freestyle team. Now, at 36 years old, with his RAF matchup against Lewis, the question becomes how that time away from competition will factor into his return to the mat.

For Lewis it’s a brand new challenge, for Gadzhimagomedov it’s all about proving he’s still that same threat.

For Lewis, the keys to victory will start with movement and positioning. He has spent years developing the ability to create attacks from different positions and with break-neck quickness. Freestyle will demand that he turn those opportunities into exposure points and finish his attacks cleanly. Against an opponent with Gadzhimagomedov's international experience, Lewis cannot afford to rely on his folkstyle tricks alone.

He will also need to be far more patient than he likes to be. Gadzhimagomedov has competed at the highest levels of international wrestling, and forcing attacks without proper setups could give the Russian opportunities to counter. Lewis will need to create openings with his movement, use his offense to dictate the pace and avoid giving Gadzhimagomedov easy scoring opportunities.

For Gadzhimagomedov, the challenge will be to translate his international experience into success against a younger opponent who is still developing his senior freestyle resume. His ability to control positions, capitalize on mistakes and turn defensive reactions into scoring opportunities could be a major factor in the matchup. He will also need to show that he can return to the demands of competition after several years away from active wrestling.

Lewis has the collegiate championship pedigree and the international junior gold medal. Gadzhimagomedov has the senior World medal and European title. Both men have achieved success on major stages, but their paths to those accomplishments could not be much more different.

Will Lewis pass the Dagestani test, or will Gadzhimagomedov's international pedigree prove too much to overcome? Find out when these two meet at RAF 14.

Catch Mekhi Lewis vs Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov LIVE at RAF 14, Friday, October 23, ONLY on FOX Nation!