Joe Warren Struggles at Dave Schultz International

Joe Warren is in the process of making a comeback in Greco-Roman wrestling. So far, it has not been easy. On Thursday, he dropped a pair of matches and failed to place at the Dave Schultz Memorial International.

In his first match, Poland’s Edward Barsegian defeated Warren in two periods, 4-0, 1-1. Then, in the consolation bracket, fellow American Marco Lara eliminated Warren 2-2, 1-0. The Bellator featherweight champion competed at 132 pounds.

Former world team member Joe Betterman won the bracket. He defeated Manuel ale Lopez Salcedo and Ivo Angelov to reach the finals. He then shut out Chad Vandiver, 1-0, 2-0, to claim the title.. Barsegian defeated Lara for third place.

The tournament was Warren’s third international wrestling event since returning to the sport. He has yet to win a match. Despite the setbacks, the 2006 world champion is still committed to once again reaching the sport’s highest level.

Warren made his MMA debut as part of the Dream featherweight tournament in 2009. He defeated former WEC bantamweight champion Chase Beebe and Japanese Icon Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto before suffering his first defeat. In 2010, Warren went 4-0 and in the process won Bellator’s second featherweight tournament and the promotion’s title.

The Dave Schultz International is one of USA Wrestling’s most prestigious events. USA Wrestling, Nancy Schultz and the Dave Schultz Wrestling Foundation created the event to honor the late Olympic and World champion Dave Schultz. This year’s event is currently taking place the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Freestyle and women’s freestyle tournaments will take place on Friday and Saturday.