KASPIISK, Russia (May 4) – Freestyle wrestling at 2018 European Championships at The Palace of Sport and Youth begins Friday morning at 11:00 AM (local time) in Kaspiisk, Russia. 

Three medalists from last years Novi Sad, Serbia European Championships are set to compete at 57kg. Returning medalists include finalists Giorgi EDISHERASHVILI (AZE) and Andrei DUKOV (ROU) along with bronze medalist, Zaur UGUEV (RUS). 

Many consider 65kg to be the deepest weight class in the tournament as it houses three-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, Haji ALIYEV (AZE), defending champion, Ilias BEKBULATOV (RUS) and the two-time world and Olympic champion, Vladimer KHINCHEGASHVILI (GEO). 

Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL), last years runner-up is the lone returning medalist at 70kg. Also worth noting, Russia's 2016 world champion Magomed KURBANALIEV (RUS) has also made the trek to Dagestan with hopes of winning a Euopean gold medal.

Yabrail Hasanov (AZE), 2016 Olympic bronze medalist is the front-runner at 79kg. Hasanov will be looking for his third European crown, but first since 2011 when he won back-to-back titles. 

Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (RUS), three-time Yarygin champion and 2017 European bronze medalist will be the man tasked with stopping the Azerbaijani from snagging his third title.

Reigning 97kg  champion, Riza YILDIRIM (TUR) will be joined by the pair of returning European bronze medalists, Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (BLR)  and Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO). Also vying for the 97kg title will be 2016 U23 European champion, Nurmagomed GADZHIEV (AZE).