Jordan Oliver takes next step in career after losing out on World Team

Jordan Oliver has revealed his next goal in wrestling. Returning to freestyle wrestling after a brief stint in mixed martial arts, Oliver competed in the World Team Trials. There were high hopes that he would win the tournament, but things didn’t go his way for Oliver. He faced James Green of Nebraska, but came up short, losing 6-3. It was certainly a major setback, but the 34-year-old Oliver doesn’t seem fazed by the failure.

Oliver recently wrote on his X account: “Next up is Bill Farrell… in November.” In fact, Oliver is referring to the Bill Farrell Memorial International Tournament, one of the most prestigious annual wrestling tournaments in New York, organized by the New York Athletic Club. The tournament has more than 60 years of tradition and is sanctioned by United World Wrestling. For Oliver, who lost in Paris and at the World Championships, a win at such a big tournament could be a new stepping stone in his career.

An Oklahoma wrestling icon, Oliver had an incredible collegiate career, winning four consecutive Big 12 gold medals from 2010-2013 while dominating in the 133 and 149 pound weight classes. Competing in the NCAA Division I Championships, Oliver once again proved an asset for Oklahoma, winning two gold medals and a silver medal to cement himself as one of the best NCAA wrestlers of the modern era.

But in 2023, Jordan Oliver decided to explore unexplored territory in his career. Announcing a career transition, Oliver signed with MMA promotion Bellator. The Octagon was a new challenge for the veteran wrestler, but Oliver seemed to dominate it like a king as he dominated in his debut bout. Appearing at the Bellator 298 event, Oliver fought one-on-one against Andrew Triolo. Dominating the majority of the match, Oliver submitted Triolo via arm triangle choke. Continuing his hilarious run, Oliver recorded two straight wins against Braydon Akeao at PFL 8. But despite his great showing, Jordan Oliver decided to return to wrestling.

Jordan Oliver’s Wrestling Career 2.0

After a brief period of success in MMA, Oliver decided it was time to return to his roots, so in August, Oliver announced his decision to return to wrestling. Citing the World Team Trials as his next step, Oliver said he would return to wrestling under the tutelage of his former coach, whom he calls “Puma.” Kenny “Puma” Monday, who coached Oliver before he moved to MMA, is a talented coach at Morgan State University.

Now that he’s back in wrestling, Oliver will be hoping to get back to the good old days of his career. His wrestling journey was interrupted by two suspensions for substance abuse. In 2018, the Oklahoma wrestler was suspended for amphetamine use. The suspension lasted a year, but the second suspension was tough on his career.

At the 2022 World Team Trials, Oliver tested positive for THC in his system. This discovery resulted in the wrestler being suspended for two years, missing the Trials and shattering his dream of the Paris Olympics. After failing at the WTT, Oliver will now have to try and win at Bill Farrell in November. The road ahead remains tough for the veteran wrestler as he looks to make a comeback in the wrestling world.