September - 2016
SCRAPP! FIGHT MAGAZINE
8
Nico Hernandez
A relative unknown heading into the
2016 games, Nico Hernandez won three
bouts before losing his fourth to secure
a bronze medal in the Light Flyweight
division. Even though Hernandez has al-
ready announced his intentions to turn
pro in boxing MMA might emerge as a
more suitable career path given his size
and his wrestling background.
Travis Stevens
This year’s games marked Travis Stevens’
third time as an Olympian for the United
States in Judo. After disappointing re-
sults in 2008 and 2012, Stevens finally
captured that elusive Olympic medal tak-
ing home the silver in the -81kg class.
We all know judo is a tremendous base
for MMA, but when you add to that the
fact that he is also a black belt in Brazilian
jiu-jitsu and a protégé of Renzo Gracie a
transition to MMA seems imminent.
Kayla Harrison
In 2012, Kayla Harrison became the
first American to win an Olympic gold
medal in judo. She followed that impres-
sive performance up by capturing a sec-
ond gold medal in 2016. We all know
just how dominant Ronda Rousey’s judo
game has been in MMA; she was a
bronze medalist. Just imagine what Har-
rison – a two-time gold medalist – could
accomplish. It’s scary and exciting all at
the same time.
Helen Maroulis
What Helen Maroulis was able to ac-
complish at the 2016 was impressive
for two reasons. First, she became the
first American woman to win an Olym-
pic gold medal in wrestling. Second, and
more importantly, she defeated Saori Yo-
shida to do it. For those who don’t know
Yoshida is the most decorated women’s
freestyle wrestler of all-time; 13-time
world champion and three-time Olympic
champion. Wrestlers have long dominat-
ed MMA and Maroulis would be a great
addition to the sport.
Kyle Snyder
On the last weekend of the 2016 games
Kyle Snyder became the youngest Olym-
pic wrestling gold medalist in American
history. At just 20-year-old Snyder is al-
ready one of the most accomplished and
decorated wrestlers American has ever
seen and he is an early favorite to de-
fend his title at the 2020 games in Tokyo.
Once Snyder’s wrestling career is over
there will be a place for him to continue
his excellence in the world of MMA.
