Nathan Tomasello vs. Roman Bravo-Young: Bantamweight Title on the Line in a Clash of Styles

At RAF01, Nathan Tomasello became the first ever Real American Freestyle Bantamweight World Champion. At RAF02, he’ll try to keep it.

Standing in his way? Roman Bravo-Young—two-time NCAA champion, freestyle breakout, and the pride of Penn State.

It’s a title fight with sharp contrasts: strength vs. style, power vs. precision, the bull vs. the artist. And it’s happening in the house RBY helped build.

Nathan Tomasello: The Champion Who Doesn’t Budge

NATO didn’t just win at RAF01—he set a tone.

The former Ohio State star and four-time NCAA All-American showed why he’s remained a force for over a decade. Compact, relentless and built like a fire hydrant, Tomasello cuts off space and controls center like few others. He doesn’t give angles. He doesn’t give ground. He brings the fight to you.

His physicality isn’t just for show. At 61kg (135 lbs), he’s wrestled this weight for years and looks like it. He stays low, stays loaded and puts pressure on every single exchange. If he gets his hands locked—you’re going where he wants you to go.

Now, with a target on his back, Tomasello will need to do what he does best: make the mat small, make the match physical, and make life miserable for anyone who steps in front of him.

Roman Bravo-Young: The Artist Returns to Rec Hall

Roman Bravo-Young isn’t built like most wrestlers—and he doesn’t wrestle like them either.

Slick, creative, and impossible to predict, RBY became a fan favorite during his time at Penn State by doing things nobody else could. His hips are magic. His footwork is world-class. And when he’s in rhythm, it’s like watching freestyle jazz on a wrestling mat.

After winning two NCAA titles and finishing his college career undefeated in Rec Hall, RBY made the move to freestyle and quickly found success. Representing Mexico, he reached the bronze medal match at the 2025 World Championships just last month—competing at 57kg (125 lbs).

Now, just weeks later, he’s coming back up in weight. Back to his old gym. Back in front of the fans who watched him grow. And back with a chance to win a world title on a brand-new stage.

The Matchup: Pressure vs. Playmaking

Tomasello wants a fistfight. RBY wants a flow state.

NATO’s game is built on controlling the center, pressuring the ties and forcing short-offense exchanges. He’s a wall of muscle and momentum who doesn’t flinch under fire. And at 135 lbs, his horsepower is real.

RBY, on the other hand, thrives in space. He’s a master of creating angles, disappearing in ties and finding scoring windows where most see nothing. The question is whether that style can shine under pressure—and whether the jump in weight dulls his usual speed advantage.

If RBY gets loose and opens the mat, he could put on a show. If Tomasello walks him down and closes the space, it could be a long night for the challenger.

Why It Matters

For Tomasello, this is the first defense of the RAF Bantamweight World Title—and a chance to cement his spot as the league’s foundation at 61kg. Winning the belt was history. Keeping it makes him a real champion.

For RBY, this is a homecoming with hardware on the line. He’s got the spotlight, the crowd and the momentum of a World-level run behind him. But he’s also stepping into unfamiliar territory—up a weight, against a grinder, with a belt on the line.

And for fans, this might be the most stylistically exciting matchup on the card. Power vs. finesse. Veteran vs. rising star. Tomasello vs. RBY.

What to Watch For

First-period tempo: Tomasello wants to make this physical early. RBY will need to navigate the pressure and stay clean.

Size factor: Tomasello is built for 61kg. RBY has spent his freestyle career at 57kg. How much will that matter?

Angles vs. control: If RBY can get to space, it opens the match. If Tomasello closes it off, he controls the flow.

Fan energy: This is Rec Hall. RBY owns the room. But Tomasello’s grit may win the crowd by the end.