Steve Mocco - The Most Feared Heavyweight :: Ep 8 The Full Tilt Podcast

On this episode of the Full Tilt Podcast, Hatch sits down with heavyweight legend Steve Mocco for a deep dive into one of the most unique careers in American wrestling. From judo roots and Blair Academy super-teams to wrestling under the lights in Carver-Hawkeye and Gallagher-Iba, Steve shares the stories, rivalries, and training methods that shaped a generational heavyweight.They cover his transition from Iowa to Oklahoma State, the real reason behind that move, life at the Olympic Training Center, wild trips to Russia and Ukraine, and what it’s like now running a club and coaching his own sons. Along the way, you’ll hear about training with icons like Terry Brands, John Smith, and Henry Cejudo, plus some unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories.0:00 Ferrari, Japanese signs, and Iowa–Oklahoma State talk0:55 Full Tilt intro with Steve Mocco1:19 Being on the heavyweight Mount Rushmore3:39 Kidney issue, swimming, and discovering judo5:39 How judo shaped Mocco’s wrestling style and foot sweep9:22 “Stand up and fight” judo tournament and Buxton banning judo11:05 Inside Blair Academy’s super teams and Buxton’s training24:09 Why Mocco chose Iowa and the first Carver-Hawkeye experience33:46 Why he transferred from Iowa to Oklahoma State35:00 Season on the Mat cameras and life inside the Iowa room56:35 Following Terry Brands to the Olympic Training Center1:05:43 Manitou Incline and brutal altitude workouts1:13:36 Winning the Yarygin and beating world champs1:18:38 Getting shorted on prize money in Russia1:21:23 Riots, tire fires, and sneaking back into the city1:30:01 Transition to coaching and starting his Florida club1:43:00 Balancing dad and coach with his own kids1:46:44 Who he’d teach his famous foot sweep toIf you enjoy this episode, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your favorite story, and tell us which wrestling legend you want to hear from next!www.thefulltiltpodcast.com