Stephen Abas

Stephen Anthony Abas (born January 12, 1978) is an American Olympic Freestyle wrestler and Mixed martial artist. Abas became a three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion in the 125 lb (57 kg) weight division while attending Fresno State University.[3] He has competed in two world freestyle championships and received a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.[1]

Stephen Abas
Born (1978-01-12) January 12, 1978
Santa Ana, California, United States[1]
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) [2]
Weight135 lb (61 kg)
DivisionBantamweight
StyleWrestling
TeamThe Arena[3]
WrestlingNCAA Div I Champion (1999, 2001, 2002)
Mixed martial arts record
Total3
Wins3
By knockout1
By submission0
By decision2
By disqualification0
Losses0
By knockout0
By submission0
By decision0
By disqualification0
Draws0
No contests0
Other information
UniversityFresno State University
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: 2010-05-17

Early life

He graduated from James Logan High School after two years as a star wrestler. Prior to JLHS he attended Canyon Springs High School, in Moreno Valley, California. He and his brother Gerry Abas were members of the Wan Tu Wazuri wrestling club at Oakland Tech, Oakland, California.[4]

Wrestling for California State University, Fresno from 1998–2002, he earned four All-American honours at the NCAA DI wrestling championships, placing fourth at 118 as a freshman and winning the next three years at the 125-pound (57 kg) weight class. He finished his college career with a 144-4 record, with 46 pins. going undefeated his last two college seasons.

In 2009, Abas was inducted into the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame.[5]

International wrestling career

Abas also is a decorated freestyle wrestler; competing in two world freestyle championships and receiving a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. At the 2005 NCAA championships, he was named as one of the fifteen greatest wrestlers in NCAA history alongside others standouts such as Kurt Angle, Cael Sanderson, and Dan Gable. Abas was also elected to the NCAA 75th Anniversary Wrestling Team.

Abas tried out for the 2008 USA Olympic Team and reached the finals of the Olympic Trials, losing to Henry Cejudo in a best of 3 series 2 matches to 1, even though he competed with a damaged knee. In 2008, he retired from competitive wrestling.

Mixed martial arts career

He began a MMA career. He teaches and trains out of The Arena MMA gym in San Diego, alongside other notable athletes such as Diego Sanchez, Joe Duarte, Rani Yahya, KJ Noons, Fabricio Camoes, and Xande Ribeiro.

MMA record

Professional record breakdown
3 matches 3 wins 0 losses
By knockout 1 0
By decision 2 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 3-0 Clint Gerona TKO (Retirement) Rebel Fighter – Annihilation August 13, 2011 3 5:00 Amador County Fairgrounds, Plymouth, California
Win 2-0 Joey de la Cruz Decision (Unanimous) TPF 5: Stars and Strikes September 7, 2010 3 3:00 Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino, Lemoore, California
Win 1-0 Sam Stevens-Milo Decision (Majority) TPF 4: Cinco de Mayhem May 5, 2010 3 3:00 Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino, Lemoore, California

References

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