2008 U.S. Olympic Wrestler Steve Mocco Officially Signs With American Top Team

Representatives of the Coconut Creek, Fla.-based gym confirmed signing of Mocco, who recently helped Antonio Silva prepare for his May 26 bout against Cain Velasquez. The 6-foot, 260-pounder will now train with the likes of Thiago Silva, Hector Lombard, Jeff Monson, Thiago Alves and Tyron Woodley, among others, as he prepares to make his MMA debut.

“I’m happy about the opportunity to train in a new sport and excited to learn some new things and continue competing,” Mocco said in a release. “I can’t wait to get started.”

Mocco took seventh place in men’s freestyle wrestling at 120kg in 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Games. Prior to that, the 30-year-old Pennsylvania resident was a two-time NCAA national champion -- first at Iowa in 2003 and then at Oklahoma State in 2005, when he also captured the Dan Hodge award given to the nation’s outstanding collegiate wrestler. Additionally, Mocco was the NCAA runner-up in both 2002 and 2006.

Mocco’s athletic background extends beyond the wrestling realm, however. He was a junior national champion in judo in 1999 and finished third at the U.S. Nationals that same year. Mocco also dabbled in football, playing defensive tackle for Oklahoma State for one season in 2006.