On December 26, our very own Kyle Bratke wrote a compelling argument for why Seth Gross would win the 133-pound bracket in a Midlands field that will include Sebastian Rivera and Seth Gross. While Gross is clearly capable of doing just that, I this weight class playing out a bit differently, and I see Austin DeSanto on top of the podium at Midlands.

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As Kyle Bratke mentioned, all three of these wrestlers have won a Midlands title in the past, so you wouldn't be a fool to pick either Gross or Rivera. I have moments when I lean toward those guys, too, but I keep coming back to three things that lead me to pick DeSanto.

1) One Less Landmine

The first reason I'm picking DeSanto to win this bracket is that he has one less brutal match than Gross and Rivera, who will have to get past one another in the semifinals. Rivera's potent takedown game could get the better of Gross, while Gross' top work could put him in control of that dangerous semi.

That Gross vs Rivera semifinal really could go either way. If you're team Gross, you might be most worried about the slick neutral game of Rivera, but consider that we've seen him win takedown battles against guys who might be considered more dynamic on their feet. For evidence, look no further than this year's Bill Farrell where Gross was able to knock off Nick Suriano, Darian Cruz, and Nathan Tomasello without giving up a takedown.

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If you're team Seabass, you're probably most concerned about Gross' prolific top work, but consider that Rivera has wins over Spencer Lee, one of the best top wrestlers in the country.

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The point is, it's hard to pick either one of those guys to win this bracket because doing so means not just one massive win, but two. DeSanto will only have to deal with one of those guys.

2) A Full-Sized 133

The second reason I'm leaning toward DeSanto is that, of these three, he's he only one who has made 133 his only weight class this season while both Gross and Rivera have been down at 57kg during the last two months.

The Olympic dream is a powerful motivator. Seth Gross, who wrestled his varsity season in college at 141 before dropping to 133, has committed to 57kg for the Olympic Trials in April. His work paid off at the Bill Farrell where he won a loaded bracket and qualified for the Trials.

Similarly, Sebastian Rivera is pursuing his Olympic Dream at 57kg. Earlier this month, Rivera won the Puerto Rican Olympic Trials at 57kg, and he will now try to qualify the weight class for the Olympics.

The point is, making 57kg requires discipline for these guys who have to make sure that their bodies are small enough for that weight. DeSanto's disciplined training has been focused on getting his body ready for 133 instead of 57kg, and I think that gives him a slight edge.

3) DeSanto Has Earned #1

The third reason I'm leaning toward DeSanto in this bracket is by considering how he earned the #1 ranking in the first place. This ultimately comes town to his stellar history against top opponents and his win over Seth Gross earlier this season.

Throughout DeSanto's career, he has been no stranger to big wins. In his two years at 133, he has wins over NCAA Champions Seth Gross and Nick Suriano and NCAA Finalists Stevan Micic, Jack Mueller, and Ethan Lizak. While DeSanto also has losses to all of these guys other than Gross who he has only wrestled once, his wins prove that he belongs in this mix.

DeSanto's win over Gross this season felt different than his wins over the previous opponents. His previous wins have often been attributed to DeSanto's unparalleled pace, and he has often relied on his dump. Against Gross, it was savvy match tactics and superior execution that got the win.

This means that the 2019-2020 version of DeSanto appears to have added a heightened level of situational awareness to his already elite skillset. That's a dangerous weapon to give a guy like DeSanto who already has an unmatched pace and a deep desire to win. Mike Mal broke down some of the finer points of how DeSanto was able to beat Seth Gross in their first meeting, and If we see the same level of gamesmanship at Midlands, it should be DeSanto all the way.

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