Chris Pendleton


Chris Pendleton is an American amateur wrestler. Competing for Oklahoma State University, Pendleton won the NCAA Division I wrestling titles at 174 pounds in 2004 and 2005 and was a 3-time collegiate All-American.

Biography

He defeated future two-time NCAA champion, Dan Hodge Trophy winner and MMA World Champion "Funky" Ben Askren of Missouri for both of his titles. Pendleton had beaten Askren in the majority of their meetings, and he provoked some controversy after telling a reporter that there was no "rivalry" between them. Pendleton also won the 145-pound California State Championship in his senior year at Lemoore High School. He is the son of Bill Pendleton of Fresno and Lisa Cervantez of Lemoore. He has two younger brothers, Willy and Jacob, who are both wrestlers.