Rundell, Robertty, and Bassett Set for Epic Folkstyle Showdown at Night of Conflict

Tonight, the eyes of the high school wrestling world turn to Iowa for IA Wrestle's annual Night of Conflict, an event that pits the state's finest against premier talent from across the nation. While the card is stacked, the 111 pound bracket offers a compelling preview of the future of the lighter weight classes in the years to come. A three man gauntlet featuring two world medalists and a Fargo champ will unfold.

The night will kick off with a highly anticipated premier matchup between Mike "MJ" Rundell and Diego Robertty. The winner of this bout will earn the right to face U17 World Champion Keegen Bassett in the main event.

Mike Rundell, currently ranked #4 in the nation at 106 pounds, enters the contest with a formidable resume. A 2025 U17 World bronze medalist in Greco Roman, Rundell is known for his relentless pressure and tactical prowess. While his greatest success has come in Greco, his length and size could present significant challenges for opponents in the top and bottom positions of a Folkstyle match. His style is built on forcing opponents out of position, often using a punishing two on one tie up to control the mat. His tenacity was on full display at the U17 World Championships, where he battled back from a 6 to 0 deficit to win his bronze medal match, a performance that earned him USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week honors. Fans can get a glimpse of his Greco Roman expertise in this dominant performance.

Across the mat stands Diego Robertty, ranked #26 nationally and eager to jump in the rankings. While Rundell has the greco world medal, Robertty is no stranger to upperbody wrestling. Robertty secured a tech on the big stage at Fargo this summer with a 10-2 victory over Utah's Blake Mauch. While greco doesn't always translate to Freestyle/Folkstyle success, Robertty does a good job of keeping his leg attacking opponents off guard by ripping lefty head locks like this.

Wrestling is in Robertty's blood; his father, Ricardo Robertty, represented Venezuela at the 2011 World Championships, where he advanced to the semifinals before falling to the legendary Jordan Burroughs in a memorable match. The key question tonight will be how Robertty's explosive, Freestyle oriented attacks translate against Rundell's size and mat wrestling in a Folkstyle setting.

Waiting for the victor is the #3 ranked wrestler in the country, Keegen Bassett. A 2025 U17 World Champion in Freestyle, Bassett has already proven he can perform under the brightest lights. His confidence is backed by a relentless work ethic and a devastating offensive arsenal. He captured his world title with authority, securing a pin in the finals against his Iranian opponent, which can be seen in this clip from the world championships.

Adding to the drama, Bassett and Rundell have a history. The two met in the finals of the USAW Central Regional, where Bassett secured a decisive 10 to 0 technical fall. While that match was in Freestyle, it adds a compelling narrative to a potential rematch tonight. Can Rundell close the gap in a Folkstyle bout, or will Bassett prove his dominance once again?