Combat sports often involve fighters fighting their matches both in the rings and in the mic. While this is commonplace for professional and amateur tournaments, USA’s collegiate wrestling isn’t far behind. Recently, a Wisconsin Badgers wrestler also indulged in some off-ring dialogue that has grabbed everyone’s attention.

A social media upload showcased the 125-pounder chiming in with his take on the 2023 Midlands championship. The wrestling star showed confidence and said that he could win the NCAA championship this year. However, he also ended up issuing a daring challenge to all his national counterparts.

Wrestling star draws attention and competitive lines

Big Ten Wrestling recently uploaded a video on X showcasing Wisconsin’s Eric Barnett speaking in an interview after the Midlands Championship. Barnett was asked for his take on how he thinks he wrestled during the championship. Responding to this, the wrestling star said, “Yeah, I mean, if I feel 100% I think I’m going to win a national title and beat everybody in the country.”

He also added, “It’s just about making sure I’m 100% every time I step on the mat and giving it everything I have… as long as I feel good and going into those matches and can move like I want to, it’s game over.” Notably, Barnett is a 2x All-American wrestler and finished 7th in NCAA wrestling in 2022.

Competing in the 2023 Midlands, the Wisconsin Badgers earned the second position. This came as a major boost since this is the highest rank achieved by Wisconsin in the championship since 2010. Interestingly, however, while Barnett said he would beat everyone in the country, he finished third in the 125lbs category in the Midlands wrestling championship.

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The cut-throat competition in the 125lbs weight class

Barnett says it will be game over for everyone if he is in one hundred percent top condition. However, he also acknowledges that the 125lbs wrestling category is very fierce. He said, “125 is bonkers. Yeah, it’s crazy. It’s crazy, I mean, a lot of opportunities, right? You know, every match is a big match right now.”

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He further said, “Got a lot of really tough kids in the country. So a lot of opportunities, you know, a blast ride, so I’m very excited for it and finish off the right way.” This showcases that the Wisconsin senior has a lot of self-confidence and is ready for anything coming his way. Will Eric Barnett live up to his words?

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