Former ASU wrestler wins world championship

If there’s anyone who can appreciate what former Arizona State University wrestler Zahid Valencia accomplished over the weekend by winning gold at the Senior World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, it’s Sun Devil coach Zeke Jones.

Not just because Jones coached Valencia. Because the only other ASU wrestler to win a world championship was Jones himself, in 1991.

“He’s one of the three best wrestlers I’ve ever had,” Jones said. “With Zahid winning a world title, you can make the argument he’s best guy I’ve had on my college teams.”

Valencia, 28, scored a perfect 49-0 across five matches against international opponents en route to a gold medal in the 86-kilogram (190 pounds) freestyle class. He dethroned former world champion Kamran Ghasempour in the semifinals and then recorded a 12-0 tech fall victory over Japan’s Hayato Ishiguro in the finals.

Jones said Valencia’s gold-medal performance stamps him as the “best in the world” and the favorite to win the gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

“We always knew he was good enough to win (gold), and he did,” Jones said. “I’m so happy for him and super proud.”

Valencia, who grew up in California, committed to ASU in 2014 along with his brother, Anthony. He was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, winning back-to-back titles for ASU in 2018 and 2019 at 174 pounds. He was the first Sun Devil to defend his national title at the same weight class in consecutive years. He finished 121-3 overall at ASU, the ninth most wins in school history. In addition to his two national titles, Valencia was a three-time All-American, a three-time Pac-12 champion, and a three-time Pac-12 Wrestler of the Year.

Jones said Valencia, who wrestled for the Sunkist Wrestling Club in Tempe from 2015 to 2025, needed to grow into his frame in order to secure the senior world championship.

“He was kind of light for 190 pounds, and he really just needed years to grow his muscles,” Jones said. “He finally grew into his weight class.”

Jones said Valencia possesses all of the attributes that define a great amateur wrestler.

“He has world-class technique, he’s mentally tough and he has world-class speed for his size. He has NFL running back speed, which is a huge asset for him,” Jones said. “Most people can attack north and south, but in wrestling there’s diagonal attacks, and he’s really good in those attacks. He can levitate like he’s in 'The Matrix.'”

Valencia will be 31 when the Summer Olympics are held in 2028, but Jones doesn’t believe that will preclude another gold medal run.

“Zahid would be considered older, but if you look at the bell curve for medalists, he’s still in his prime,” Jones said. “And he’s really special.”