Carter Starocci, a standout wrestler from Penn State University, has recently made headlines with his decision to transition from collegiate wrestling to mixed martial arts (MMA). After a stellar college career, including becoming the first wrestler to win five NCAA national titles, Starocci has been spotted training at American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, Florida. citeturn0news12
This move comes after Starocci’s historic achievement in March 2025, where he clinched his fifth NCAA title at the 184-pound weight class. This unprecedented accomplishment was facilitated by an eligibility waiver granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. citeturn0news14 Following this victory, Starocci expressed interest in pursuing a career in MMA, leading to his recent training sessions at ATT.
At ATT, Starocci is training alongside top-tier talents such as Bellator champion Johnny Eblen, former champion Yaroslav Amosov, and fellow Penn State alumnus Bo Nickal. UFC lightweight contender Grant Dawson has also been spotted training with Starocci, sparking curiosity about his potential debut in the MMA arena. Fans are eager to see whether Starocci will start with amateur bouts or dive directly into professional MMA, with expectations of him competing on the Contender Series soon. citeturn0news12
Starocci’s departure from collegiate wrestling marks the end of an era for Penn State, where he has been a pivotal figure in the team’s success. His transition to MMA is a significant development, and fans and analysts alike are keenly watching his progress as he embarks on this new chapter in his athletic career.
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