Tragedy has struck both the professional MMA world and amateur wrestling world as Carlton Haselrig has passed away at the age of 54.
The news of Haselrig’s passing was first reported by the Johnstown Tribute-Democrat, with the report stating that he passed away due to natural causes, leaving behind his wife and nine children.
Haselrig is one of the most decorated amateur wrestlers of all time, winning a total of six NCAA Championships in both Division I and Division II as a heavyweight. Haselrig picked up 143 wins in the NCAA, with one of them coming over future Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle.
Amateur wrestling wasn’t the only place Haselrig tried his hands as, as the amateur wrestler would also play for the Pittsburgh Steelers and would also make it to the Pro Bowl. Haselrig also transitioned to MMA in 2008, with a notable victory coming over Carlos Moreno at Elite XC Primetime in May of 2008. Haselrig had a 3-2-0 record as a professional MMA fighter, with one of those losses coming to UFC veteran Shawn Jordan.
