Dean Hamiti 'grateful' for Real American Freestyle, ready to defend middleweight title

Former Oklahoma State and Wisconsin wrestling star Dean Hamiti won the RAF middleweight title in style on Saturday night, pinning Evan Wick in the third period. Wick came into RAF 04 as the champ until getting stuck by Hamiti.

This was Hamiti’s second appearance in Real American Freestyle, having wrestled on the debut card back in August. He wrestled against Olympic Bronze Medalist Kyle Dake, losing via tech fall, 11-0, at cruiserweight.

But Saturday night was a different story as he was given a title shot. He made it count and is ready to welcome all challengers for his belt.

“I worked so hard for this,” Hamiti said after winning his title. “I’m grateful for RAF for having me out here and having me put these performances on. Any name you guys want to send me, I’ll agree to it.”

Hamiti put it all together in his final season of college wrestling, winning the 174 pound NCAA wrestling title for Oklahoma State in 2025. He became David Taylor’s first individual national champion.

A two-time All-American at Wisconsin, Hamiti lost in the Blood Round in 2024 with the Badgers and searched for answers. He found one in Stillwater, and up one weight at that, to end his career with the biggest prize of them all.

Despite the success, which ended with a 4-1 sudden victory decision over two-time NCAA champion Keegan O’Toole (Missouri), Hamiti wouldn’t change a thing. His time at Wisconsin shaped who he was and ultimately what he became and improved upon at Oklahoma State.

“It’s a testament to my hard work,” Hamiti told On3. “I’ve lived the right lifestyle. I’ve put in the countless minutes in practice and competitions. I’m grateful for my career and I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

Finishing his career 107-15, Hamiti ends his collegiate campaign as a three-time All-American and a national champion in 2025. If one thing improved, other than his physical wrestling with certain techniques, Hamiti’s mindset took a leap forward.

“I think first off it’s just mindset-wise, we’re prepared for anything,” Hamiti said. “We’re ready to go and score points whenever I have to. From a training aspect, just really keying in on areas I need to get better in and it leads to stuff like this. Small moments lead to big moments. Today was a big moment.”

Oklahoma State is the winningest program in college wrestling history. Hamiti is now part of that illustrious club.

“The reason I went to Oklahoma State is I know they like to win championships and they’re a very historic, very historic program,” Hamiti said. “I’m honored to be a part of it. I’m grateful for all my teammates, my coaches. I’m really just honored to be a part of this great program.”