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UWW and RUDIS: Historic partnership to unite and elevate wrestling worldwide

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 15) -- United World Wrestling (UWW) and RUDIS (rudis.com), a premier U.S.-based wrestling apparel brand renowned for its high-quality gear and deep connections to the wrestling community, have announced a groundbreaking eight-year partnership, set to begin in 2025. The collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the global wrestling community, uniting two forces with a shared vision of celebrating the sport’s rich legacy while shaping its future.

The partnership exemplifies the mutual commitment of UWW, the global governing body of wrestling, and RUDIS to honor the sport and serve its athletes, fans, and communities worldwide.

Central to their collaboration is the concept of “Unified Strength,” symbolizing their united effort to elevate wrestling to new heights on a global scale.

United World Wrestling President Nenad LALOVIC hailed this historic partnership as a significant step forward for the sport.

“UWW has taken unimaginable steps to promote wrestling since 2014, and this is another one of those,” Lalovic said. “Uniting with RUDIS aligns with our mission to promote and develop wrestling worldwide.”

usaKyle SNYDER's (USA) signature Rudis during the World Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Founded in Ohio in 2013, RUDIS has rapidly grown into the leading brand in wrestling apparel, renowned for its innovation, athlete-focused designs, and dedication to the wrestling community.

“This partnership is a profound honor and fills us with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the sport that has given so much to us all,” said Jesse Leng, co-founder and CEO of RUDIS. “With humility, deep love, and appreciation for everyone connected to and through wrestling, we embrace this duty to support the sport worldwide, uplift its athletes, and contribute to the enduring legacy of this incredible community.”

UWW has always focused on its wrestlers and the partnership with RUDIS will empower wrestlers across the globe. This partnership is a testament to their shared commitment to ensuring the sport’s enduring legacy.

RUDIS Partner and Global Wrestling Advocate Nancy Schultz emphasized the broader significance of the collaboration.

“Wrestling connects us to something far greater than ourselves,” said Schultz. “This partnership allows us to continue uplifting the sport and honoring its global impact and legacy.”

Gordon Templeman, Director of Commercial Operations and Communications, shed more light on the partnership and its goal.

“Through this partnership, we aim to inspire and engage the global wrestling community, elevating the sport to new heights.”

usaKyle SNYDER (USA) has wrestled un the Rudis umbrella for nearly his entire career, collecting nine combined world and Olympic medals. (Photo: United World Wrestling) 

Olympic gold medalist Kyle SNYDER reflected on the significance of this partnership for the future of wrestling. He praised the partnership as a reflection of the wrestling community’s humility and dedication.

“Wrestling is the greatest sport in the world," Snyder said. "This is a great day for wrestling. I believe RUDIS and UWW will tremendously grow the sport.”

Paris 2024 champion Hildebrandt shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration and the impact it will have on women's wrestling.

“I’m so excited for this partnership and how it will elevate wrestling, aid tremendously in the growth of women’s wrestling, and truly open new doors within the sport,” she said.

For media inquiries, contact: Gordon Templeman (gordon.templeman@uww.org), Director, Commercial Operations & Communications or Eric Olanowski (eric.olanowski@uww.org), Head of Communications)

#WrestleAlexandria

Watch Live: U17, U20 and Senior African Championships 2026

By United World Wrestling Press

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (April 27) -- The U17, U20 and Senior African Championships begins in Alexandria, Egypt from April 27 to May 2.

The U17 African Championships will take place first on April 27 and 28. The U20 African Championships will be held on April 29 and 30 and the Senior African Championships will be on May 1 and 2.

UWW Plus

African Championships 2026 Full Schedule

April 27 (Monday): U17 Greco-Roman all weight categories; U17 Women's Wrestling 43kg, 49kg, 57kg, 65kg, 73kg
April 28 (Tuesday): U17 Freestyle all weight categories; U17 Women's Wrestling 40kg, 46kg, 53kg, 61kg, 69kg

April 29 (Wednesday): U20 Greco-Roman all weight categories; U20 Women's Wrestling 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 68kg, 76kg
April 30 (Thursday): U20 Freestyle all weight categories; U20 Women's Wrestling 50kg, 55kg, 59kg, 65kg and 72kg

May 1 (Friday): Senior Greco-Roman all weight categories; Women's Wrestling 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 68kg, 76kg
May 2 (Saturday): Senior Freestyle all weight categories; Women's Wrestling 50kg, 55kg, 59kg, 65kg, 72kg

WATCH LIVE: 2026 African Championships, Alexandria

Results of 2026 African Wrestling Championships: Click Here