Ridge Lovett is on a roll. Fresh off a dominant US Open title this past weekend, the former Husker National Champion has added two massive opportunities to his spring schedule: a spot on Team USA's Pan-American squad and a marquee matchup at Real American Freestyle 09.

If you haven't watched Lovett's US Open finals victory yet, do yourself a favor and find it. It's one of the most electrifying freestyle matches you'll see all year—pure grit, athleticism, and a statement that this rising star is ready for the senior-level spotlight.

First up: Lovett will represent Team USA at the Pan-American Championships in Coralville, Iowa, on May 9-10, competing at 70 kg. He'll be joined by former Husker teammate Liam Cronin, a Pan-Am bronze medalist, who will wrestle at 57 kg. With Lovett's current momentum, he enters as a strong favorite to bring home gold.

Then, on May 30, Lovett steps onto the biggest stage yet at RAF 09. He'll face Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia of India—a five-time World and Olympic medalist at 70 kg. Punia's resume includes a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a World silver in 2018, and World bronzes in 2013, 2019, and 2022. For a wrestler still building his senior-level experience, this is the kind of test that accelerates a career.

The winner of Lovett vs. Punia will earn a shot at the RAF Lightweight Championship (155 pounds)—a belt previously held by Yianni Diakomihalis, who defeated Punia 5-1 at RAF 01. Lovett is clearly stacking high-level matches to prepare for Final X in June, where Team USA will finalize its World Team roster. Every bout, from Pan-Ams to this headliner, is a calculated step toward a potential World Championships berth.

With his US Open title already in hand and a packed schedule ahead, Ridge Lovett is proving he's not just a name to watch—he's a force ready to take the 70 kg division by storm.