Austin O'Connor (wrestler)

Austin O'Connor (born May 14, 1998) is an American folkstyle wrestler from Lockport, Illinois.[1] During his collegiate career, O'Connor was a two-time NCAA Wrestling Champion for the University of North Carolina. He won his first NCAA Title in 2021 in the 149lb weight class.[2] Two years later in 2023, he followed up with another NCAA title at 157lbs.[3] In total during his collegiate career, O'Connor was a five-time All-American, three-time conference champion and two-time national champion.

Austin O'Connor
Personal information
Born (1998-05-14) May 14, 1998 (age 26)
Lockport, Illinois, U.S.
Height1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Sport
Country United States
SportWrestling
Weight class154 lb (70 kg)
Event(s)Freestyle and Folkstyle
College teamTar Heels
ClubTar Heel Wrestling Club
Coached byColeman Scott
Tony Ramos
Jamill Kelly
Mohamed Abdelfatah
Medal record
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the North Carolina Tar Heels
NCAA Division I Championships
Gold medal – first place 2021 St. Louis 149 lb
Gold medal – first place 2023 Tulsa 157 lb
Bronze medal – third place 2019 Pittsburgh 149 lb
ACC Championships
Gold medal – first place 2020 Pittsburgh 149 lb
Gold medal – first place 2021 Raleigh 149 lb
Gold medal – first place 2023 Raleigh 157 lb
Silver medal – second place 2019 Blacksburg 149 lb
Silver medal – second place 2022 Charlottesville 157 lb

High school career

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O'Connor was a four-time wrestling state champion in the state of Illinois for St. Rita of Cascia High School located in Ashburn, Chicago.

College career

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O'Connor finished his collegiate career as a five-time All-American, three-time ACC Champion, and two-time National Champion for The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a wrestler.

MMA career

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O'Connor has signed a management deal with American Kickboxing Academy. Other notable wrestlers that are part of AKA include Daniel Cormier, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and B.J. Penn.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Austin O'Connor – Wrestling". University of North Carolina Athletics. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  2. ^ "Mission Complete: Austin O'Connor Wins 149-Pound National Championship". University of North Carolina Athletics. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  3. ^ "The Champ Again! O'Connor Wins Second National Title". University of North Carolina Athletics. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  4. ^ "O'Connor Gearing Up For Dominant MMA Career At AKA | UFC Fight Pass | UFC". www.ufc.com. November 9, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2023.