The 2023 World Wrestling Championship at Belgrade witnessed the first championship title fall into the lap of Serbia. The US-born Serbian wrestler dominated the 57kg weight class in the Serbian capital. After the stellar victory that announced his dawn, the Serb is now enjoying a well-deserved off-season break.

Stevan Mićić wrestled for the US before switching to his father’s homeland of Serbia. While the World Champion may have left America behind, a social media post showed him donning one of America’s signature markers. In fact, Mićić is enjoying his off-season while promoting NBA legend Michael Jordan’s $3 billion company.

Wrestling Champion chills in Belgrade with AJ1 Chicago

Stevan Mićić grew up in a Serbian neighborhood in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, which kept him connected with his roots. While this ensured that he didn’t stray from his Serbian values, he also absorbed the culture of Chicago. This also made him pick up something that screams Chicago the most, a pair of Air Jordans. The World Wrestling Champion recently uploaded a post where he sported the legendary shoes as part of his stylish drip.

The wrestler also sported a track top and a pouch by Nike, the partner of Air Jordans. While the iconic shoe line is globally renowned, Mićić’s Chicago influence made him pick a particular pair of shoes. The wrestling giant sported the AJ1 Chicago pair which were the first signature shoes of NBA legend, Michael Jordan. 

Stevan Mićić shared several pictures donning the AJ1 Chicago as he shared fun moments with his friends. The AJ1 Chicago marked the beginning of the sneaker and shoe revolution in the world. In fact, Nike took a big gamble back in 1984 when they decided to invest everything in the hands of Michael Jordan. Stevan Mićić on the other hand, while having an off time now had to make his way through to his maiden world title which was not an easy road for him. 

The Long Road to the Maiden World Championship Title

The 2023 World Wrestling wasn’t the first instance for Stevan Mićić where he competed with the home turf advantage. However, the 27-year-old was dispatched with the bronze medal despite all the work he put in. Walking back on the mats for another world championship was like a dragon-slaying quest for Mićić.

The Serbian found himself facing the reigning Olympic gold medalist and two-time world champ Zaur Uguev in the qualifying stage itself. Russia’s Uguev had already beaten Mićić before, but the Serb had evolved since his last tournament. Mićić powered through the offense of Uguev and beat him to reach the semi-finals where he faced another nemesis in the form of Zelimkhan Abakarov. 

ALSO READ – Leaving NBA Fate to 1 Coin, 5x NBA Champ Reflects on Iconic Michael Jordan Alliance That Never Happened

The 27-year-old conquered his second nemesis to unlock the top floor of the Dragon castle and entered the finals. He faced a new opponent, who was yet another world champion, and from a higher weight class on top of it. The finals proved to be really tough and intense for Mićić, but he managed to emerge victorious in the end.

The home crowd erupted with cheers as they received their first world title. Mićić’s perseverance worked like alchemy, as he slayed his dragons to turn his 2022 bronze into a 2023 gold. As the Serbian relaxes and chills in his AJ 1 Chicago shoes, he now aims to repeat his success from Belgrade at Paris.

WATCH STORY – Having Never Played in the WNBA, Olympic Gold Medalist Cheryl Miller Reflects on Paving the Way for Young Players