Stephen Buchanan initially planned to transition from wrestling to MMA after college but developed a renewed passion for wrestling at the University of Iowa, now aiming for the 2028 Olympics while still considering a future in MMA.
When Stephen Buchanan arrived at the University of Iowa for his final year of wrestling eligibility, he had a clear plan. Win an NCAA championship, then dive headfirst into MMA. Simple, right?
But life had other plans. Training under the legendary Tom Brands, Buchanan found a renewed passion for wrestling. Suddenly, the Olympics were on his radar.
“I was going to be done with wrestling,” Buchanan shared with MMA Fighting. “But Iowa changed everything. Now, I’m training for the 2028 Olympics.”
After the NCAA’s, Real American Freestyle reached out. Buchanan was all in. More matches, more experience, all eyes on 2028. World Championships, ranking tournaments—he was ready.
He clinched the NCAA title at 197 pounds. Then, in his RAF debut, he stunned everyone by shutting down Yoel Romero, a multi-time UFC title challenger. Romero, despite being 48, had just defeated Pat Downey. But against Buchanan? Nothing.
This victory only cemented Buchanan’s decision to focus on wrestling. Yet, his fight dreams? Still alive. “I was going to jump straight into fighting,” he admitted. “But now, it’s wrestling first. Gold medal, then maybe something else.”
His plate’s full with Olympic aspirations. But fighting lingers in his mind. “Did some training a year or two ago, fell in love with it,” he mused. “Martial arts—it’s beautiful. I’d love to step into the octagon.”
The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles beckon, and Buchanan wants to be there. But first, he has to earn his spot on the American team. No small feat.
Competing at 97kgs (213 pounds), he might face Kyle Snyder, an Olympic gold medalist. Snyder’s a legend, unbeaten by an American since 2016. Buchanan knows the challenge ahead.
“He’s a great wrestler,” Buchanan acknowledged. “But I’m training to beat him. To be the best, not just in the U.S., but globally.”
MMA isn’t off the table, though. Buchanan’s open to creating new rivalries with UFC fighters in RAF. “Maybe do both,” he suggested. “Keep wrestling sharp, evolve in striking and jiu-jitsu.”
Olympic dreams loom large, especially on home soil. “Having friends and family there, not just watching on TV? It’s an Olympics you don’t just want to get to—you want to win.” That’s his daily drive.