DAKE VS. BURROUGHS
Two Champions. One Weight Class. The Greatest Rivalry in American Wrestling.
A Rivalry For The Ages
When Kyle Dake and Jordan Burroughs stepped onto the mat, it wasn't just another match—it was a clash of titans. Both are Olympic medalists. Both are world champions. Both have dominated American wrestling for over a decade.
Their rivalry has produced some of the most thrilling matches in wrestling history, with Olympic dreams, national pride, and legacy on the line. It's a story of mutual respect, fierce competition, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness.
Two Legendary Careers
Kyle Dake
Cornell University • Team USA
4x NCAA Champion
Only wrestler to win at 4 different weights
2x Olympic Bronze Medalist
Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024 • 74 kg
3x World Champion
2018, 2019, 2021
"The wrestler who made history by winning at four different weight classes"
Jordan Burroughs
University of Nebraska • Team USA
2x NCAA Champion
University of Nebraska
Olympic Gold Medalist
London 2012 • 74 kg
6x World Champion
2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022
7 World & Olympic Golds
Most decorated US wrestler in history
"One of the greatest freestyle wrestlers in American history"
Complete Head-to-Head Record
Career Series Record
2021 Olympic Team Trials
Fort Worth, Texas • April 2-3, 2021
DAKE WINS 2-0
Best of 3 Series
In the most anticipated match in American wrestling history, Kyle Dake defeated Jordan Burroughs to secure his spot on Team USA for Tokyo. Dake won 3-0 in match one and 3-2 in match two, ending Burroughs' decade-long dominance and streak of competing in every Olympic and World Championship team since 2011.
Match 1
Dake 3-0
Match 2
Dake 3-2
2017 World Team Trials
Lincoln, Nebraska
BURROUGHS WINS 2-1
Best of 3 Series
The closest series before 2021. Dake won match one 6-6 on criteria with a huge four-point chest wrap. Burroughs came back to win match two 5-3 in a thriller, then dominated match three 6-2 after Dake's four previous matches that day caught up to him.
Match 1
Dake 6-6
Match 2
JB 5-3
Match 3
JB 6-2
2017 US Open Finals
Las Vegas, Nevada
BURROUGHS WINS
Winner would sit to the World Team Trials finals. The match came down to the final seconds with controversial officiating. Burroughs made it five straight wins against Dake.
2015 World Team Trials
Madison, Wisconsin
BURROUGHS WINS 2-0
Dake had to beat David Taylor and Andrew Howe to reach the finals. Burroughs dominated with an 8-0 lead in seconds in match two off a low single and three leg laces.
2013 World Team Trials
Stillwater, Oklahoma
BURROUGHS WINS 2-0
Dake's first shot at Burroughs after beating Trent Paulson, David Taylor, and Andrew Howe. The first match wasn't close, but match two was an epic back-and-forth battle that Burroughs won in overtime. This began the rivalry.
Historic Rivalry Timeline
Jordan is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Every time I step on the mat with him, I know I have to be at my absolute best. Our rivalry has made both of us better wrestlers.
The 2021 Olympic Trials: A Changing of the Guard
The stakes couldn't have been higher. Jordan Burroughs, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist and six-time world champion, had competed in every Olympic and World Championship team since 2011. Kyle Dake, the four-time NCAA champion and two-time world champion at 79kg, had moved back down to 74kg seeking his first Olympic team berth.
Only one could go to Tokyo. Burroughs entered 7-1 all-time against Dake, with Dake's only win coming in the 2017 World Team Trials (before losing the series). The format: best-of-three matches. The pressure: immense. The anticipation: off the charts.
In a stunning performance, Kyle Dake defeated Jordan Burroughs 3-0 and 3-2, winning the series 2-0 and earning his spot on Team USA. The victory ended Burroughs' decade-long dominance and marked a turning point in American wrestling history.
Both wrestlers showed incredible skill, heart, and sportsmanship. While only one could go to Tokyo, both proved why they're considered among the greatest wrestlers America has ever produced. Dake would go on to win Olympic bronze in Tokyo.
Mutual Respect and Sportsmanship
While their rivalry is fierce on the mat, both Kyle Dake and Jordan Burroughs have nothing but respect for each other off the mat. They understand that their battles have pushed both of them to be better wrestlers and have elevated American wrestling on the world stage.
This is what makes their rivalry so special—it's not about animosity or personal grudges. It's about two incredible athletes bringing out the best in each other and representing their country with honor and excellence.
Impact on American Wrestling
Elevated Competition
Their rivalry pushed both wrestlers to reach new heights and raised the level of competition in the 74 kg weight class.
Inspired Athletes
Young wrestlers across America have been inspired by watching these two champions compete at the highest level.
Grew the Sport
Their high-profile matchups brought increased attention and viewership to wrestling, helping grow the sport's popularity.
See Kyle's Complete Story
Watch Four for Four to experience Kyle Dake's journey, including his epic rivalry with Jordan Burroughs