Green headlines U.S. men’s freestyle lineup at 2026 Yasar Dogu International in Antalya, Türkiye

Seven U.S. men’s freestyle athletes are set to take on the 2026 Yasar Dogu International held in Antalya, Türkiye, led by two-time World medalist and seven-time U.S. World Team member James Green at 74 kg.

Two others join Green at 74 kg for this always-tough event—New Jersey RTC athletes Quincy Monday and Yahya Thomas. Both Monday and Thomas were U.S. Open placers in 2025 and earned at least one international medal last season.

Three past age-group World medalists are in the mix for next week’s competition—2021 U20 World bronze medalist Beau Bartlett at 65 kg, two-time U17 World medalist Greg Kerkvliet at 125 kg and U17 World medalist Jordan Wood at 125 kg.

Bartlett recently won silver at the Bill Farrell Memorial International and was an NCAA finalist for Penn State. Kerkvliet was a 2024 NCAA champion for Penn State and last competed at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Wood earned two bronze medals during international competition in 2025.

125 kg entrant Christian Lance rounds out the U.S. roster. Lance finished with a trio of notable honors in 2025. He placed third at the U.S. Open, World Team Trials and Bill Farrell Memorial International.

Titan Mercury Wrestling Club is sending coaches Reece Humphrey, Kerry McCoy and Kendall Cross, as well as team leaders Jonny Ruggiano and Hooman Tavakolian, on this international tour.

Ruggiano serves as the Executive Director of Titan Mercury Wrestling Club and is also a member of USA Wrestling’s Board of Directors.

Tavakolian is a member of the Titan Mercury Wrestling Club Board of Directors and is also a steward of the USA Wrestling Living the Dream Medal Fund. In addition to Hooman’s significant contributions to USA Wrestling, he is also the founder of Hoomanities, a sports diplomacy organization that strives to help international communities through wrestling.

 “I know firsthand how wrestling can shape character, build resilience, and give direction during tough times,” said Tavakolian. “That is why our mission [at Hoomanities] is to bring that power to kids who need it most. Thanks to gear partners, through my charity, hoomanities.org, we have donated more than 200 wrestling shoes to young athletes in Türkiye this year, helping them step onto the mat with dignity, pride, and the opportunity.”

During the Yasar Dogu, Tavakolian will be continuing his mission to help serve those in need.

“I am honored to represent TMWC, Team USA and my charity,” he added.

The Yasar Dogu will be held January 10-11, with competition starting at 11 a.m. local time each day. Medal matches will run at 5 p.m.

Information on a live stream, brackets and results will be provided by USA Wrestling when available.