Utah Valley @ Wisconsin

Wisconsin men’s wrestling beat Utah Valley 23-14 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on December 18, 2025. The Badgers closed the dual with enough bonus-point victories in the upper weights to pull clear of a pesky Utah Valley squad that collected a couple of big results of its own.

Utah Valley got a signature moment when Bridger Ricks, ranked #27, upset Wisconsin’s #13 Nicolar Rivera 11-8 by decision at 125. Haiden Drury (#24) also supplied a crucial boost with an 11-2 major decision at 141, giving the visitors momentum and keeping the match close through the middle weights.

Wisconsin answered with a string of bonus-point wins that made the difference. Joseph Zargo (#17) recorded a fall at 149 to swing a full six team points, and the Badgers added major decisions in the upper weights to widen the gap. Those bonus victories in the later bouts offset Utah Valley’s ranked triumphs and proved decisive in the final tally.

In the end the decisive factor was Wisconsin’s ability to finish matches with bonus points while Utah Valley collected quality wins without enough bonus support. The 23-14 final reflects a tight dual where a handful of bonus outcomes determined the margin.