One of the bigger upsets in Real American Freestyle (RAF) history just went down.
Massive +550 betting underdog Michael Caliendo stunned American wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs earlier tonight (Fri., Oct. 23, 2026), defeating the Olympic gold medalist 8-5 at RAF 14 inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.
And Caliendo didn’t steal the win with one lucky exchange—he outwrestled Burroughs for most of the match.
The four-time NCAA All-American looked approximately three times faster than
the 38-year-old legend during the opening two periods, beating Burroughs to positions, escaping danger and frustrating him with constant movement.
By the time the final frame began, Caliendo had built a commanding 5-0 advantage and was minutes away from pulling off the unthinkable.
Burroughs finally found his vintage explosion in the third period and began mounting what appeared to be another legendary comeback. The six-time World champion increased his pressure, forced Caliendo backward and rapidly erased most of the deficit.
But Caliendo refused to collapse.
Instead of panicking as Burroughs came storming back, the former Iowa Hawkeye remained composed, defended the American icon’s late attacks and found enough offense of his own to secure the massive 8-5 upset.
Burroughs closed as an enormous -800 betting favorite, while Caliendo entered at +550.
The result is easily the biggest win of Caliendo’s young career. The former Iowa standout finished as the NCAA runner-up at 165 pounds in 2026, completing his collegiate career as a four-time All-American and two-time national finalist.
Burroughs, meanwhile, entered RAF 14 with plenty of momentum after dominating UFC Welterweight contender Sean Brady and Magomed Kurbanaliev in his first two appearances with the promotion. The 2012 Olympic champion had also been openly considering another Olympic run in 2028.
At 38 years old, Burroughs remains one of the greatest American wrestlers ever—but on Friday night, youth and speed finally caught him.
For complete RAF 14 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
