World-renowned wrestler Jordan Oliver has officially made the move to mixed-martial arts, and he doesn’t plan on looking back. The highly decorated product of Kill Cliff FC will enter the Bellator cage tonight as he looks to start his fighting career off on the right foot with a victory over promotional newcomer Andrew Triolo (0-1) tonight on the Bellator 298 preliminary card.
“I’m just trying to take in each and every moment. You only get one debut,” Oliver said at media day. “I’ve been competing at a high-level my whole life…I’m just excited to compete and showcase my skills and everything I’ve been working on down at Kill Cliff.”
Jordan Oliver’s wrestling accolades speak for themselves, winning two NCAA Division I championships in two different weight classes, placing second and fourth in the country in his two other seasons at Oklahoma State. He spoke about guys that have made the transition from wrestling to MMA like Daniel Cormier (fellow OSU alum) and Henry Cejudo and how they’ve helped him throughout this process.
“Those are the guys who laid the blueprint,” Oliver said. “I talk to (Daniel Cormier and Henry Cejudo) every week. Bouncing techniques off of them, even just picking their mind about what they did during fight week, how were their weight cuts, rest days – anything I could get knowledge-wise out of these guys. They’ve been like two big brothers to me. It’s an honor just being associated with them.”
Oliver, 33, feels like he’s in the best shape of his life ahead of his debut fight tonight in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Despite waiting a bit longer to make the jump than some other collegiate wrestlers, Oliver believes that the timing is right and says that he’s ready to put on a show for the fans. It’ll be interesting to see how his game translates over into the crazy sport that is mixed-martial arts.
“I want to become the ultimate mixed-martial artist. I want to give the crowd what they want to see. Obviously for my debut – we want a finish,” Oliver said.
Jordan Oliver takes on Andrew Triolo at Bellator 298 on August 11 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
