It seems like the Paris Olympics are rekindling old fires unlike anything. While the world’s finest wrestlers look to head to the French capital with hopes of clinching the greatest triumph, others are looking to make their way back into the fold after brief stints elsewhere. Former Oklahoma State Jordan Oliver is the latest name who looks to be eyeing a return to the mat after a year of exploring other pastures.

Freestyle or folkstyle wrestling and MMA have a long history, and athletes are known to switch between the two frequently. Following a similar trait, Oliver signed with Bellator MMA in 2023. Moreover, with his Paris dreams being crumbled after a doping fiasco earlier this year, the ex-Cowboy was being speculated to continue with his career inside the octagon. However, things might be in for a change.

In his post on X from just hours ago, Oliver hinted that his amateur wrestling road wasn’t ending right away. While he won’t be flying to Paris with Team USA, he has set his eyes on a different prize afterward. “Ill see yalll September for 70kg World Team Trials,” reads the caption of the post, and fans are already excited to see the 2019 national champ back in action at the 2024 World Championships, scheduled to take place in Albania in October.

Jordan also informs that he will be bumping up to 70kgs for the event, leaving behind his regular 65kg bracket.

However, Jordan’s decision to notch up his weight class could be the one thing that dampens the mood. His fighting style has definitely changed with his foray into MMA for over a year, and understandably his World Championships hopes could easily end up in disappointment.

Jordan Oliver plans to dive into the thick of things

The 70kh weight bracket is filled to the brim with bustling talents from all around the world. Moreover, with the Paris Olympics just around the corner, October will see many stars either riding high on their momentum from the big rumble or eyeing to make amends for their lost opportunity in France. Only hours ago, it was confirmed that three-time NCAA champion and Penn State alum Zain Retherford has also bumped up to the same weight as Jordan ahead of the upcoming Olympics. With this move, Zain could well be on his way to the top of the food chain in his new weight segment, while competing in 65kgs at the Olympics. Justifiably, Cael Sanderson’s star student is expected to make quite a ripple in Paris and could carry his form into the World Championships later this year.

While the 70kg isn’t an official bracket in the Olympics, it’s recognized at the World Championships. Upon his return, Oliver will be facing off against the likes of Retherford, Hayden Hidlay, and Cody Chittum to get his name on Team USA. If he qualifies, there will be even stronger competition in Albania waiting for him. Bulgaria’s Eldarovitch Ramazanov, Switzerland’s Marc Dietsche, and Kyrgyzstan’s ErnazarAkmataliev are all formidable forces to be reckoned with.

With so many reputable wrestlers waiting to pounce on him at the first chance they get, fans will have to wait to see if Jodan still has that indomitable spirit left in him. How do you think he will fare? Does a triumphant return await? Or do you speculate reality hitting Jordan hard in the face? Tell us below!