It’s not every day you see an Olympic wrestler in a BJJ superfight, much less in a gi, but this Saturday you will see just that when Adam Wheeler takes on Steve Austin in the co-main event of Fight 2 Win 92 in Denver. Hailing out of Dallas, Steve Austin is 6x masters world champion while Wheeler earned a bronze for himself and his country at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Since that time Wheeler has earned a BJJ black belt as well and looks to test it tomorrow afternoon against a game opponent.
This should be a compelling matchup similar to when Yuri Simoes competed against Olympic Judo medalist Travis Stevens at Fight 2 Win 44. Fans will get to see how Wheeler, a Greco-Roman specialist, contends with the experience and overall gi game out of Steve, while Steve will look to avoid being thrown and dominated by Wheeler, who is dangerous from any position.
We recently caught up with Adam to see how he’s been preparing for the matchup and what else he has in store for the near future.
Fight 2 Win 92 Interview – Adam Wheeler (Prime BJJ)
How did you get started in BJJ/submission grappling? Tell us a little bit about your experience.
I originally started in High school, then stopped for a long time and focused on wrestling. After wrestling in the Olympics I retired from wrestling and started BJJ as a hobby. I love BJJ because the learning never ends, also it’s not as tough as wrestling so I feel like I can do it forever.
Who are training with for F2W 92 and how has it been going?
Training has been good, the guys at Prime and Easton BJJ are all great. I learn from my training partners all the time. I also recently got to train with Bernardo Faria and Travis Stevens. No one is tougher than those two guys. I train BJJ only 3x a week, because it’s fun and a hobby. I’m not training like I did when I was competing for the Olympic Team.
What titles are you most proud of from your grappling career?
My greatest accomplishment is winning Bronze in the Olympics, and in BJJ I have won Blackbelt Nogi Worlds. IBJJF Masters.
What motivates you?
For me it’s all about my family and my kids. I love to train, but it is definitely only a hobby for me. My family and being a good dad is my number one goal in life.
Your opponent for Fight 2 Win 92 – Steve Austin, how much do you know about him?
All I know is he is good in the Gi. Originally I asked for a Nogi match, but he was not comfortable doing that with me. So I agreed to do the match in the Gi. I know he has won worlds like 6x, so it will be a tough match for me. I love the Gi, but it definitely slows my wrestling game way down. I have learned a few tricks over the years, I just hope to show my actual skill and put on a good show for the fans.
How would you like to finish this match?
By submission of course, which one, I don’t care. I really hope he just doesn’t stall me out with grips or catch me in a tricky Gi choke that I haven’t seen. Should be a fun challenge.
What’s next for you after this?
Nothing planned after this, this is possibly my last competition. Not certain, but I honestly haven’t been feeling like completing lately. Maybe this show will re-light the fire. If not I’m ok with not competing anymore. I have been competing over 23 years now.
Well you certainly have a lot left to share and accomplish. Any other projects people should be aware of?
I just filmed a DVD for Nogi takedowns. It would be cool to have an impact on BJJ by showing takedowns to the world. For anyone interested please follow me on Instagram @theadamwheeler. The DVD series should be released soon and hope for more in the future.
Any final message to the fans of Denver and those watching live on stream before Fight 2 Win 92?
Please follow my Instagram and check out my DVD. I appreciate all the support and would love to do seminars as well. @theadamwheeler.
