Where to Watch: January 22nd, 6:30 PM on UFC Fight Pass
The Tigers will try to string together back to back dual wins against new conference opponent Arizona State. The Sun Devils have had an up and down season so far, going 2-4 against Division I opponents and dropping their last two. They have had some lineup and injury issues as well, giving this dual plenty of question marks. The Tigers are likely still out Keegan O’Toole and Colton Hawks, but saw the return of Seth Nitzel and Cam Steed at the Cyclone Open recently. Like Utah Valley there is a path to victory, but it will take bonus points and keeping things close.
125lbs: #32 Gage Walker (10-4) vs Richie Figueroa (5-1)
The returning champ at this weight, Figueroa was injured early in November and only made his return to competition in mid-January. He has looked good since though, with back to back wins. He’s very quick on his shots and solid at scrambling through positions. He doesn’t have too much on the mat but can lock up a cradle at times. He also wrestles very smart, often doing just enough to not give up calls.
This is the biggest test for Walker this season, and an interesting matchup. If Walker isn’t ready for Figueroa’s ability to get to legs or is slow in the scrambles then he could give up points quickly. I think Walker could make this interesting with a tough ride but have to lean to the returning champ.
Prediction: Richie Figueroa Dec. Gage Walker (MIZ 0 ASU 3)
133lbs: Kade Moore (9-12) vs #23 Julian Chlebove (3-6)
This is a match between what could be two of the most dangerous wrestlers with losing records this season. Chlebove was a qualifier last season and had a win over Dom Serrano along with tight matches against All-Americans. He’s been in a rough spot losing his last two to ranked opponents but can keep things tight.
Moore is coming off a Cyclone Open that saw him get pinned in the first round before reeling off four falls of his own against unranked opponents. If he can get back to what we saw last season, this is absolutely a winnable match. Chlebove was just majored by Tyler Knox of Stanford, who as we saw has a similar style to Moore. It seems like a lot of Moore’s issues this season have been mental, so reeling off four falls could be the boost of confidence he needs in this one. I’ll be optimistic and think he returns to form for a win in this match.
Prediction: Kade Moore Dec. Julian Chlebove (MIZ 3 ASU 3)
141lbs: #16 Josh Edmond (10-6) vs Emilio Ysaguirre (2-4)/Daniel Miranda (4-6)
Ysaguirre was the starter coming into the year but hasn’t competed since an 0-2 performance at CKLV in early December. Redshirt freshman Miranda has started the past three duals, going 1-2.