Final X is Saturday, June 19, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and will be streamed LIVE on FloWrestling. Final X determines the 2026 U.S. Senior World teams in two Olympic disciplines: men’s and women’s freestyle.
Below is a women’s freestyle preview of the 62-kilogram match between Adaugo Nwachukwu and Macey Kilty.
Key Credentials
Adaugo Nwachukwu, 23
2026 Pan-Am champion
2026 US Open champion
2026 U23 National Champion
2025 Senior World Team (9th)
2025 Zagreb Open champion
2024 Military World champion
2022 U20 World bronze medalist
3x NAIA champion (2022-24)
4x age-level World Teamer
Macey Kilty, 25
2026 Senior World Team (5th)
2025 NCWWC champion
2025 Pan-Am champion
2025 NCWWC (NCAA) champion
2024 World bronze medalist
2023 World silver medalist
6x age-level World medalist
2x Olympic Trials best-of-three finalist (2021, 2024)
2018 Cadet World champion
Match History: Tied, 1-1
2026 US Open: Nwachukwu over Kilty, 10-8
2024 Olympic Trials: Kilty over Nwachukwu, 6-2
How They Reached Final X
Nwachuwku reached Final X by winning the 2026 US Open. She defeated Janie Houser (11-0), Bella Williams (10-0), Alara Boyd (10-0), and Macey Kilty (10-8).
Kilty reached Final X by winning the 2026 World Team Trials Challenge tournament. She defeated Hanna Errthum (13-0) and Claire DiCugno (Fall 1:06).
What Should You Expect?
Pay attention to the match-defining sequence of Nwachukwu’s 10-8 win over Kilty in the 2026 US Open finals. Kilty methodically established a 4-1 lead at the end of the first period, then immediately shot to Nwachukwu’s right leg to start the second.
Nwachukwu avoided the shot, then countered for a takedown and two gut wrenches for a 7-4 lead. Kilty tried to pick away with step-outs, but ultimately couldn’t mount a comeback.
Don’t expect any of the Final X matches to look like the US Open final, but there were takeaways that both can apply.
Each has a uniquely different style. Nwachukwu is powerful and explosive. Kilty is disciplined and systematic.
Chaos favors Nwachukwu. Control favors Kilty.
Getting an early big lead for Nwachukwu forces Kilty out of her cadence. Nwachukwu loves it when you take an errant shot or get out of position. She’s among the best in the world at taking advantage, and she has highlight-worthy throws to prove it.
Kilty likes to control the pace and dictate her opponent’s movements. She’s methodical and has a huge gas tank — something that serves her well in a best-of-three series. The Stratford, Wisconsin, native doesn’t want Nwachukwu shooting from space, either.
Match tactics and execution are crucial in this series. Nwachukwu is the returning World Teamer at 62, and Kilty has owned 65 since 2023. Moving down to 62 is positioning herself for the 2028 Olympics, since 65 is a World weight.
Kilty has reached the best-of-three finals at the last two Olympic Trials, and she’ll do everything she can to compete in Los Angeles 2028. Nwachukwu is from California, so she wants to wrestle there, too.
This is more than a World Team spot. This is jockeying for pole position to make the 2028 Olympic Team.
Enjoy this clash of styles. The United States is in good hands here.
Nwachukwu showed off her explosiveness at the 2026 U23 National Championships
Kilty wrestled DiCugno in the World Team Trials finals