Based on the real life of producer Ali Afshar who portrays Ali's uncle in the movie.
The Diner scenes were filmed at Pete's Henny Penny Diner in Petaluma, California.
The championship match was filmed in a gymnasium on campus at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Filmed in part at Casa Grande High School. As the film portrayed the school in a negative light, the principal did not allow the name to be used.
Despite portraying an Iranian-American wrestler, George Kosturos is of Greek descent.