This study investigated changes in exercise intensity during a freestyle wrestling match.Wrestling matches that consisted of three periods of 2 min were performed by nine elite collegiate male wrestlers. Exercise intensity was measured using heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([BLa-]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). HR was continuously recorded during the match, and mean HR during each period was obtained. [BLa-] and RPE according to the 6-20-point Borg Perceived Exertion Scale were measured immediately after each period.HR during the wrestling match increased as a whole, but a continuous decrease in HR was observed during the first half of the second and third periods. This was likely caused by a cautious strategy involving reduced aggressive actions. HR significantly increased (P<0.05) from the first period (81 ± 6% of maximal HR [HRmax]) to the second period (88 ± 5% of HR(max)), and from the second to the third periods (92 ± 5% of HR(max)). [BLa-] significantly increased (P<0.05) from the first period (7.6 ± 2.0 mmol.L⁻¹) to the second period (10.4 ± 4.2 mmol.L⁻¹), but not from the second to the third periods (11.5 ± 3.1 mmol.L⁻¹). RPE significantly increased across the three periods (first, 13 ± 1; second, 15 ± 2; and third periods, 17 ± 2, P<0.05).Our results on changes in exercise intensity during each period and between periods would be helpful for making strategic decisions during wrestling matches and for planning daily training.