Tomasello vs. DeSanto - The Biggest Bantamweight Title Fight in RAF History

Boogeyman vs Boogeyman clash for the first time under the RAF banner as Nathan Tomasello and Austin DeSanto meet for the RAF bantamweight title.

Few people know stress more than those who find themself standing across the mat from Nathan Tomasello. Known for rock-solid fundamentals, you’d either have to ask for the greatest match of your life to defeat the 2015 National Champion or an injury.

Only a few names have ever beaten Tomasello and even fewer have done it multiple times. Austin DeSanto is one of the few.

Known for being wrestling’s biggest wildcard, Drexel Dragon turned Iowa Hawkeye, Austin DeSanto is as skilled as he is unpredictable. While he may have never snagged an NCAA title he’s never stopped sharpening his tools and remains one of the most dangerous wrestlers on the planet without an RAF title.

Tomasello has beaten some of the biggest names in the division very recently such as Matt Ramos, Nick Suriano and more but has also fallen to DeSanto twice in two years. This is among the best we’ve ever seen from Nathan Tomasello and Austin DeSanto is seemingly incapable of losing a step. The breaking point has a date attached to it and that date is January 10.

OPPOSING STYLES

Austin DeSanto: Multiple-time NCAA All-American known for his suffocating pace, unpredictability and ability to drag opponents into deep waters. DeSanto thrives in chaos, wearing opponents down with pressure and forcing mistakes through volume and intensity.

Nathan Tomasello: NCAA Champion and four-time All-American known for his discipline, positional awareness and airtight defense. Tomasello excels at controlling ties, managing the center and capitalizing on even the smallest opening.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The Hawkeye Difference: In Nathan Tomasello’s storied NCAA career he only faced defeat eight times. Five of those eight losses came against Iowa Hawkeyes. With an additional two freestyle losses to Austin DeSanto it appears that Iowa wrestlers are the only thorn in Tomasello’s side.

Tomasello’s Composure: Tomasello’s path lies in controlling ties, limiting scrambles and keeping the match in his preferred tempo. If he can stall DeSanto early, history suggests he can dictate the flow.

Controlled Chaos: Austin DeSanto has always walked the line between intensity and recklessness. If he stays disciplined while maintaining his trademark pressure and unpredictability, this could be the version of DeSanto that’s hardest for anyone, even Tomasello, to deal with.

Can Nathan Tomasello put away another elite challenger or will Austin DeSanto finally take his seat atop the RAF throne? Find out Saturday, January 10 ONLY on Fox Nation!