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Masanosuke Ono edges Spencer Lee in main event of FloWrestling Night In America
Ono wins 3-2; Former Iowa State NCAA champion David Carr topped Olympic silver medalist Daichi Takatani
Feb. 27, 2025 4:34 am, Updated: Feb. 27, 2025 8:35 am
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CORALVILLE – Spencer Lee was direct and honest.
He was more apologetic about how the match transpired than the result.
Lee wrestled his first match in the United States since last year’s Olympic Trials, facing 2024 U20 and senior-level World champion Masanosuke Ono in the main event of FloWrestling Night In American Wednesday night at Xtream Arena. In a match with limited offense and scoring, Ono scored all his points in the third and held on for a 3-2 decision over the Hawkeye Wrestling Club’s Olympic silver medalist.
“I think I put him on a little bit of a pedestal and I need to go out and wrestle a little more,” Lee said. “I’m more saying that, too, because I’m apologizing for such a boring finale. Everyone’s excited for a big match and me and him stand there and club each other a few times.
“Even if it was 3-2 with offense, shooting and scoring opportunities then I think I’d be a little more OK with how the match went. I think the match being so slow and him getting his offense more than me is what’s frustrating me the most.”
Lee competes at 125.5 pounds (57 kilograms). Ono wrestled at 134.5 (61 kg). They compromised and weighed in at 131 (59.5 kg).
“I love it,” Lee said. “I love doing this. It’s easy, especially at a catch weight. I woke up on weight the last four days (and) 131 is too easy for me to make.
“It was good. I hope there’s more of this to come.”
Ono’s points came before the intermission, forcing three step outs. Lee pressed the action in the second three-minute period, earning both of his points on cautions for passivity. Both seemed to wrestle cautiously and conservatively. It didn’t produce a lot of attacks.
“It seems that when I’m wrestling these guys who are gaming me, and they’re really good at what they do, that I’m not doing a lot of offense,” Lee said. “I need to find a way to get to my offense.
“I think I respected him too much. A lot of hype around him. Not putting him down, by any means. He beat me. I’ll take the loss like a man.”
Lee didn’t surrender much for points but he thrives in matches that produce more scoring opportunities for both parties. They shut each other down, strangling chances for offense. Something Lee hopes is different if, or when, they meet again.
“I hope the next time me and him wrestle, because I’m sure we will wrestle again, it’s more fun,” said Lee, who will be gearing up for the U.S. Open. “I hope it’s more exciting. I have a lot of respect for him. Hopefully, he has some respect for me. I don’t know if he does or not, considering how I wrestled but I think he’s a great guy. I’m glad he came out to wrestle. I’m glad it worked out.”
While Lee’s bid came up short, former Iowa State two-time NCAA champion David Carr notched a signature victory. Carr face 2024 Olympic silver medalist Daichi Takatani at 167.5 (76 kg). Takatani earned a win over American Kyle Dake last summer in Paris.
Carr was unfazed. He scored two takedowns and three sets of exposure points for a 10-7 decision. Carr said he’s worked on footwork, faking, moving and head movement to his advantage. Coaches have worked with him in those areas, including Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs.
“He’s one of my mentors,” Carr said. “Being able to work with him and some other coaches, it’s cool to use those things and them working.”
The win provides a boost as the U.S. Open approaches. Carr said he can continue his progress and use it to improve technique but his faith is another key part of his development.
“It’s a good win,” Carr said. “I have to continue to build and keep putting my faith in Jesus.”
Carr received the support from a large crowd that was dominated by Iowa Hawkeye fans that cheered for Lee and others with state ties. He smiled when he said he was surprised by how many cheered for him and gave him high-fives. He admitted they probably support any USA wrestler against another country.
“It’s really cool to hear how loud it gets in here,” Carr said. “This type of event is really cool for wrestling. I hope Flo can keep doing events like this.
“It’s a blessing. It’s a great opportunity. I hope that we can continue to do stuff like this, for sure.”
Carr and former Arizona State two-time NCAA champion Zahid Valencia both said they would have considered attending an overseas tournament. This event provided an opportunity to stay closer to home, face a strong opponent and avoid the drain on time, talent and treasure by extended travel.
“I wish we had more of these throughout the year, especially for fans,” said Valencia, who was originally expected to face former Penn State NCAA champion Aaron Brooks but posted a 5-0 win over Trent Hidlay. “I love them. I get to compete and pick and choose my matches that people want to see. I think it’s good for the fans to get more exposure to freestyle wrestling. They really don’t get to watch besides the U.S. Open.
“I think it’s awesome for all of wrestling.”
High School Results
Cruzer Dominguez tech. Ethan Humphrey, 11-0
Jake Knight dec. Abdi Unle, 12-11
Lincoln Jipp tech. Riley Johnson, 14-0
Main Card
Nathan Tomasello dec. Daniel DeShazer, 7-0
Jay Aiello tech. Marcus Coleman, 12-1
Melanie Nahomi Jimenez dec. Xochitl Mota-Pettis, 7-1
Zeltzin Hernandez dec. Amanda Martinez, 8-2
Nate Jackson dec. Kennedy Monday, 11-7
Seth Gross tech. Austin DeSanto, 10-0
Austin Gomez tech. Bryce Andonian, 11-0
Zahid Valencia dec. Trent Hidlay, 5-0
David Carr dec. Daichi Takatani, 10-7
Masanosuke Ono dec. Spencer Lee, 3-2
Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com
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