#WrestleRome

LIVE BLOG: Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series, Day Three

By United World Wrestling Press

What a day! Victoria ANTHONY (USA) showed what she is capable of to win the gold at 50kg and Vinesh PHOGAT (IND) defended her 53kg title. Kollin Raymond MOORE (USA) stunned the three-time World medalist Alireza Mohammad KARIMIMACHIANI (IRI) to win the gold medal at 97kg.

Onto the fourth and final day of Matteo Pellicone event where we wait for men's freestyle action. Watch out for Jordan Borroughs (USA) vs Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) final at 74kg

WATCH: Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series Day Three

A lot of action happened on the third morning of Matteo Pellicone. Our team has put together some of the highlights for you. Head over to our Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook to watch and read everything.

2000 hrs: We have out champions on day three of the Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series event. Stunning stuff from the wrestlers. Here are the winners on day three

50kg: Victoria Lacey ANTHONY (USA)
53kg: Vinesh PHOGAT (IND)
55kg: Jacqueline Del Rocio MOLLOCANA ELENO (ECU)
59kg: Abigail Elizabeth NETTE (USA)
65kg: Gaukhar MUKATAY (KAZ)

Men's freestyle

97kg: Kollin Raymond MOORE (USA)
125kg: Amarveer DHESI (CAN)

1950 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! An anti-climatic finish to the 125kg Round 5 bout as Asian champion Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) completes a technical superiority 11-0 win over Amarveer DHESI (CAN) in just 30 seconds. But it is still Dhesi who wins the gold medal at 125kg in Rome 

1948 hrs: Round 5 bout at 125kg! Amarveer DHESI (CAN) is up against Asian champion Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ). Dhesi has been exceptional throughout the day.

1943 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! What a fantastic win for Kollin Raymond MOORE (USA). He downs 92kg world silver Alireza Mohammad KARIMIMACHIANI (IRI) 3-3. Karimi waited for too long there to go for the attack. Top defence from Moore

 

#WrestleRome 97kg FS Medal Match Results:
?Kollin MOORE ?? df. Alireza KARIMIMACHIANI ??, 3-3
?Hayden ZILLMER ?? df. Ibrahim CIFTCI ??, 7-4
?Alisher YERGALI ?? df. Feyzullah AKTURK ??, 6-1

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 6, 2021

 

1941 hrs: Karimi tries to push Moore out of bounds but Moore keeps it in play. Gets a double and a takedown to lead 3-3 on criteria

1938 hrs: Karimi gets a stepout too and then a takedown off Moore's attack. The Iranian leads 3-1 at the break

1936 hrs: Gold medal bout at 97kg between 92kg World silver medalist Alireza KARIMI (IRI) and U23 World silver Kollin MOORE (USA). Moore with a point for stepout.

1935 hrs: Zillmer was trailing 4-3 with under a minute to go but he gets a takedown from single and then one later in the bout to hang on to a 7-4 win and the bronze medal

1930 hrs: Second bronze medal bout at 97kg between Hayden Zillmer and Ciftci. Zillmer leads 1-0 at the break 

1920 hrs: Bronze medal bout at 97kga.Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR) and Alisher YERGALI (KAZ). The Kazak wrestler is the attacking wrestlers and completes three takedowns for the lead. He wins 6-1 and captures bronze medal.

1910 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Gaukhar MUKATAY (KAZ) is the champion at 65kg weight category as she beats Veronica BRASCHI (ITA) with a dominant 8-0 win. That concludes our women's wrestling in Rome. Onto men's freestyle

1900 hrs: Final bout of 65kg. Local wrestler Veronica BRASCHI (ITA) is taking on Gaukhar MUKATAY (KAZ). A body lock situation but the Kazak wrestler comes out on top. She leads 2-0 

1853 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Abigail Elizabeth NETTE (USA) is the winner at 59kg after she puts up a dominant show against Diana KAYUMOVA (KAZ).

1845 hrs: 59kg Round 3 bout between Abigail Elizabeth NETTE (USA) and Diana KAYUMOVA (KAZ). Nette with an early takedown. Kayumova tries to get one late in first period but she is not able to. Reversal from Nette and another takedown. 4-0 for her at the break 

1838 hrs: Round 3 of 55kg. Ambra CAMPAGNA (ITA) is taking on Jacqueline Del Rocio MOLLOCANA ELENO (ECU). Del Rocio with an early 4-0 lead and then another takedown for 6-0. She is looking for the pin her and will get it after a cradle.

 

#WrestleRome 53kg Medal Match Results:
?Vinesh VINESH ?? df. Diana WEICKER ??, 4-0
?Samantha STEWART ?? vs. Nandini SALOKHE ??, via inj. def.

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 6, 2021

 

1832 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Vinesh PHOGAT (IND) shows some strong defence against Diana WEICKER (CAN) to defend her gold medal at 53kg. Weicker gets hold of the single and is trying for the far leg. Cannot get to it and strong defence to get Vinesh Phogat. 4-0 win for the Indian

1830 hrs: Weicker trying to find that opening against Vinesh Phogat but the Indian is strong in her defence, not letting Weicker take control of her arm. Vinesh Phogat gets deep and a double leg from her. But Weicker this time was ready for it. Reverses it and no points for either wrestler 

1827 hrs: Weicker did get to Phogat's legs in the dying seconds of first period but she is unable to score. Phogat will go into the break leading 4-0 

1825 hrs: Snap single from Vinesh after being warned for passivity. She completes the takedown and leads 2-0. Then goes double leg and two more for her

1822 hrs: Samantha STEWART (CAN) gets the bronze medal with victory by fall in 2 minutes and 30 seconds against Nandini SALOKHE (IND). Final of 53kg now between Vinesh PHOGAT (IND) and Diana WEICKER (CAN)

1820 hrs: Bronze medal bout at 53kg between Samantha Stewart and Nadini SALOKHE (IND). Stewart is the first to break the deadlock with a takedown and then an exposure to lead 4-0

 

#WrestleRome 50kg Medal Match Results:
?Victoria ANTHONY ?? df. Miglena SELISHKA ??, 15-10
?Emilia VUC ?? df. Valentina ISLAMOVA ??, via. Inj. def.

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 6, 2021

 

1818 hrs: GOLD MEDAL! Victoria ANTHONY (USA) wins the gold medal at 50kg after beating Miglena Georgieva SELISHKA (BUL). An excellent of wrestling for Anthony as she powers her way to the top

1816 hrs: Challenge lost and Selishka will have another point. Anthony is quick to shoot for the legs. Defend by Selishka but as they are getting back on their feet, Anthony uses her typical trip to get a four. She leads 13-10 

1814 hrs: A single takedown from Selishka and she brings down the difference to just two points. Anthony still leads 9-7. A trap from the Bulgaria and she gets a exposure over her shoulder. 9-9 for Selishka. Challenge from USA 

1810 hrs: Unsure what the challenge was about. Judges seem to say that challenge won but the score remains 9-3. Bulgaria are challenging again. Now they have changed the score to 9-5 Bulgaria

1807 hrs: Anthony is continously looking to attack and she gets a single. Reaches to the far leg and gets the two points. Looking for the pin but the time runs out in the first period. She leads 9-3 at the break. Bulgaria corner challenge the call  

1801 hrs: Gold medal bout at 50kg. Victoria ANTHONY (USA) takes on Miglena Georgieva SELISHKA (BUL). She starts with a single takedown and two exposures. Georgieva has a reversal. Anthony leads 6-1.

1800 hrs: Bronze medal for Emilia Alina VUC (ROU) after Valentina Ivanovna BRIK ISLAMOVA (KAZ) cannot wrestle due to injury. However, Vuc will not be happy with her performance here as she was the silver medalist last year in Rome 

1750 hrs: All the medal bouts will take place on Mat B starting with Valentina Ivanovna BRIK ISLAMOVA (KAZ) taking two-time World and returning silver medalist Emilia Alina VUC (ROU). Check out the match order here

1745 hrs: Welcome back to yet another session of top quality wrestling. The medal bouts in Rome are about to begin in 15 minutes

Vinesh PHOGAT (IND)

1305 hrs: That will do for the morning session in Rome! We had some great action and moves but a couple of wrestlers had to pull out injured. We are set for our medal matches in the evneing.

1300 hrs: Anthony Robert NELSON (USA) is the winner on Mat B as he beats Oleg BOLTIN (KAZ) 7-1. A big double from Nelson gave him a 5-0 lead before a takedown made it 7-0. A stepout at the buzzer for Kazak but too little too late.

1300 hrs: Batirmurzaev was leading 1-0 at the break but return to finish a 11-0 win over Sumit after a takedown and 5 guts.

1256 hrs: Round 4 of the 125kg category is the final set of bouts for the morning session. Anthony Robert NELSON (USA) is up against Oleg BOLTIN (KAZ) on Mat B and Asian champion Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) is wrestling SUMIT (IND) on Mat C

1256 hrs: Alireza Mohammad KARIMIMACHIANI (IRI) will face Kollin Raymond MOORE (USA) in the 97kg final in Rome. Both wrestlers were dominant in their semifinal wins with the Iranian winning 10-0 while Moore notched up a 9-0 win

1255 hrs: Moore with a exposure and then a duck under to lead 6-0 against Yergali in the semifinal

1255 hrs: Karimimachiani is leading Ciftci 7-0 at the break. In the other semifinal, Moore is leading Yergali 2-0 after a single leg takedown

1250 hrs: Moving on to the 97kg semi-finals. World silver medalist Alireza Mohammad KARIMIMACHIANI (IRI) is wrestling Ibrahim CIFTCI (TUR). He gets a quick start with step out

1245 hrs: Victoria ANTHONY (USA) with a big double for four points and a technical superiority 10-0 win over two-time World silver medalist Elina Amilia VUC (ROU)

1242 hrs: Semi-final at the 50kg weight category. Victoria ANTHONY (USA) is wrestling Elina Amilia VUC (ROU). Anthony with ankle pick and gut wrench to take a 4-0 lead. She then gets one more to lead 6-0

The winner of other semifinal is Miglena Georgieva SELISHKA (BUL) as Valentina Ivanovna BRIK ISLAMOVA (KAZ) is injured

1240 hrs: Diana Mary Helen WEICKER (CAN) is the winner in the semi-final as she completes a takedown in the second period to beat Nandini SALOKHE (IND) 12-2. She will wrestle the defending champion Vinesh PHOGAT (IND)

1235 hrs: Weicker gets going a takedown but Salokhe gets into a scramble which results in a 10-1 score for Weicker. India challenge the call and win it as well. The score is 10-2 for Weicker1230 hrs: A 42-second pin for Vinesh PHOGAT (IND)! Stewart shoots for Phogat's legs but the Indian is quick to defend and counters with a cradle and gets the pin to march into her second consecutive finals at Matteo Pellicone

1225 hrs: We are rolling into the semi-final bout on day three. First up on Mat C is Vinesh PHOGAT (IND) vs Samantha STEWART (CAN) at 53kg. Incidentally, other semi-final at 53kg on Mat B is also and India vs Canada bout. Diana Mary Helen WEICKER (CAN) will take on Nandini Bajirao SALOKHE (IND)

1220 hrs: Karimimachiani was warned for his second passivity but he gets a takedown, gut wrench and another to win the bout at 97kg 6-3

1215 hrs: 92kg World silver medalist Alireza Mohammad KARIMIMACHIANI'S (IRI) much-awaited debut at ranking series event at 97kg on Mat B. He is wrestling Hayden ZILLMER (USA)

1215 hrs: Kollin Raymond MOORE (USA) with a huge win at 97kg and Asian bronze medalist Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) also pulls out a technical superiority win

1207 hrs: U23 World Championships silver medalist Kollin Rayomd MOORE (USA) is wrestling Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR). On Mat C, Vinesh PHOGAT rolls in the semi-final at 53kg as Luisa Elizabeth VALVERDE MELENDRES (ECU) pulls out due to injury

1205 hrs: Diana Mary Helen WEICKER (CAN) wins the all-Canadian match-up. She beats Samantha Leigh STEWART (CAN) 9-4 at 53kg

1202 hrs: Victoria ANTHONY (USA) is the winner as Valentina Ivanovna BRIK ISLAMOVA (KAZ) pulls out due to her shoulder injury.

Stewart got a takedown after body lock but Weicker gets a reversal and a gut wrench to lead 7-4

1200 hrs: On Mat C, an all Canadian bout between Samantha Leigh STEWART (CAN) and Diana Mary Helen WEICKER (CAN). They exchange a takedown each before Weicker pulls one just before the break. She will lead 4-2 at the break

Anthony with a sick inside trip and to get a 4 points. She will go into the break with a 4-2 lead

1158 hrs: World bronze medalist Valentina Ivanovna BRIK ISLAMOVA (KAZ) is up against Victoria ANTHONY (USA). Huge match this in the 50kg category. Islamova gets the first takedown and tries to get an exposure but let's out a loud cry in pain. The medical team is checking her. She is ready to wrestle after that break

1150 hrs: Amar DHESI (CAN) is the winner on Mat B as he beats Anthony Robert NELSON (USA) 5-0 at 125kg. Dhesi with some top-level defence and continued action to get the win

1142 hrs: Nelson won the gold in Ottawa last year after Dhesi withdraw citing injury in the final. Nelson finding it difficult to get an opening here in the first period. Dhesi leads 3-0 at the break

1140 hrs: Huge match on Mat B! A repeat of the 2020 Pan Am Championships final at 125kg. Anthony Robert NELSON (USA) and Amar DHESI (CAN) are wrestling their Round 3 bout in Rome. Dhesi is quick to get a pushout and then a takedown to lead 3-0

1135 hrs: A 28 second technical superiority win for World bronze medalist Valentina Ivanovna BRIK ISLAMOVA (KAZ). A takedown and four chest wraps to finish her bout

1130 hrs: Miglena Georgieva SELISHKA (BUL) upsets two-time world silver medalist Emilia Alina VUC (ROU) with a stunning 6-1 win at 50kg. Vuc left too much for the second period to cover and her opponent was in total control throughout the bout

1125 hrs: Vuc has been warned for passivity and put on the shot clock. She is trailing 0-4 against Selishka. Makes that 5-0 as Vuc fails to score in the activity period 

1122 hrs: Emilia Alina VUC (ROU) is up against European champion Miglena Georgieva SELISHKA (BUL). Georgieva is leading 4-0 at the break

1120 hrs: Vinesh PHOGAT (IND) gets her second win of the day as Asian champion Tatyana AMANZHOL AKHMETOVA (KAZ) pulls out by injury default.

1110 hrs: Anthony Robert NELSON (USA) completely broke down Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) to win an entertaining bout 14-4. Nelson with his second win of the day

1103 hrs: European champion Miglena Georgieva (BUL) scores a technical superiority win over MEENAKSHI (IND) in her first round bout at 50kg

1100 hrs: Anthony Robert NELSON (USA) and Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) are involved in a high-action match on Mat B. The US wrestler scored a takedown and two leg laces to lead 8-4. He goes into the break leading 9-4 after a step out point

1047 hrs: World and returning silver medalist starts her day with a complete shutout win over Luisa Elizabeth VALVERDE MELENDRES (BRA) 10-0 

1045: Returning champion at 53kg Vinesh PHOGAT (IND) starts her day with huge win via fall against Nandini Bajirao SALOKHE (IND). Sheer dominance from Phogat

 

World No. 1 Emilia VUC ?? and '20 European champion Miglena SELISHKA ?? will square off in five matches (Bout 185) on Mat C. #WrestleRome https://t.co/zpwxopXS8d

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) March 6, 2021

 

1040 hrs: Anthony Robert NELSON (USA) holds on to a 2-0 win against SUMIT (IND). Both points against Sumit for passivity. Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ)  pulls off a couple of takedowns late to win 4-2 against Oleg BOLTIN (KAZ)

1030 hrs: Sumit is put on shot clock after inactivity. Nelson leads 1-0 at the break. A similar situation on Mat C as Bolton leads 1-0 at the break

1025 hrs: Beginning with SUMIT (IND) taking on Anthony Robert NELSON (USA) on Mat B and Asian champion at 125kg Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) wrestling his teammate Oleg BOLTIN (KAZ) on Mat C

1015 hrs: Day three in Rome. We have some exciting bouts coming up in freestyle. Mat B and Mat C will see all the action for the day

#WrestleZagreb

World Championships 2025 Freestyle Preview

By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (September 6) -- For nearly a decade, the 97kg Freestyle wrestling division was defined by two names: Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) and Kyle SNYDER (USA). From 2015 to 2017, Snyder ruled the mat, winning Olympic and World titles.

Sadulaev then took over from 2018 to 2021, claiming every major gold. When Sadulaev missed the 2022 Worlds, Snyder reclaimed the top spot.

But in 2023, a new force emerged -- Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN). He stunned the wrestling world by beating both Snyder and Sadulaev in Belgrade, claiming the world title. In 2024, he repeated his feat in Paris, solidifying his status as the man to beat at 97kg.

Now, Tazhudinov enters Zagreb as the wrestler to beat, but he’ll face stiff competition from veterans looking for redemption and rivals who came close to beating him.

 

Snyder, who missed the podium in Paris, remains dangerous. He once pushed Sadulaev to the limit before the latter adjusted. Snyder also fell in Albania to Arash YOSHIDA (JPN), the current Asian champion. Yoshida, blends Iranian and Japanese techniques and has excellent underhook defense and is a serious medal contender.

Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO)Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) is a three-time European champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

European champion Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) is another name to watch. He won Olympic silver in Paris but was pinned quickly by Tazhudinov. Still, as the number two seed, he avoids Tazhudinov until the final and must contend with Snyder, Yoshida, and possibly Sadulaev on his side of the bracket.

Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI), seeded number five, came closest to beating Tazhudinov in Paris, leading 3-0 before surrendering two late takedowns to lose 4-3. Back from injury, his fitness will be key if the two meet again in Zagreb.

Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ), Kazakhstan’s first freestyle world champion, also pushed Tazhudinov hard at the Asian Championships but couldn’t close the match. He’s a strong bet for the podium. Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) returns after a bronze in Paris and a silver at the 2023 World Championships, remains a serious threat in one of the deepest brackets in the championships.

Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN)Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) defeated Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) in the 65kg Olympic final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Olympic final rematch on cards

Apart from Tazhudinov, Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) is the only other Freestyle Olympic champion in Zagreb. At 65kg, all four returning medalists from Paris are entered, though Islam DUDAEV (ALB) will wrestle at 70kg.

A repeat of the 2024 Olympic final is expected at 65kg, with Kiyooka and silver medalist Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) on course to collide if seeding holds. Kiyooka has never wrestled at a World Championships and skipped the season after winning gold in Paris, but his resume includes wins over world-class opponents. He beat Tokyo Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) to earn Japan’s Paris spot, and then defeated Asian champion Kaisei TANABE (JPN) twice to make the team for Zagreb.

Amouzad will be his biggest threat, looking to avenge the Olympic final. Barring that loss, the Iranian has been a consistent force, using his under-over technique to catch opponents off guard. If he can limit Kiyooka's relentless attacks and keep the match low-scoring, he may have a chance.

European champion Ibragim IBRAGIMOV (UWW), the world U23 champion, brings a full arsenal to challenge both Kiyooka and Amouzad. He could be the biggest disruptor in the bracket.

Sebastian RIVERA (PUR), an Olympic bronze and world silver medalist, could medal again despite not competing since Paris. Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) and SUJEET (IND) are also aiming for podium finishes.

Gold drought for Uguev

Beyond Kiyooka and Yoshida, other Japanese medal hopefuls include Asian champion Takara SUDA (JPN) at 61kg, world silver medalist Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) at 70kg, Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) at 74kg, and the Ishiguro brothers at 86kg and 92kg.

Suda will have big shoes to fill as his Yamanashi Gakuin University teammate Masanosuke ONO (JPN) rose to become the world champ last year. Suda faces an equally tough field with Zavur UGUEV (UWW), Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB), and UDIT (IND) among others.

Takara SUDA (JPN)Takara SUDA (JPN) is the Asian champion at 61kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Uguev, Olympic and 2019 world champion, returned to form by winning the European title in April. He finished fifth last year after losses to Ono and Vitali ARAJAU (USA). Can he now stop Suda, the Ranking Series and Asian champion? Suda has found ways to win but struggles with conditioning.

Abakarov, a former world champion, will also be in the mix, having beaten Uguev in 2023. Other contenders include Asian silver medalist Udit, Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ) -- back at 61kg -- and Jaxen FORREST (USA), who beat Arajau to claim the U.S. team spot.

Sidakov set to return

At 74kg, 2023 world champion Zaurbek SIDAKOV (UWW) has managed to recover just in time for the World Championships. He suffered an injury in his European Championships loss to Chermen VALIEV (ALB) and will likely go through the Albanian if he wants to defend his gold.

Also Read: Valiev opens up Olympics, his style

Valiev has had close encounters against Sidakov and the win at Europeans was his first over Sidakov. His strategy to keep a close score or defend a lead may not always play out well. But his defensive skills are top notch, and he doesn't let anyone score easily.

Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) and David CARR (USA) are two youngsters who can surprise a few. Both have lethal attacks and can move quickly. Takahashi won the clash in Budapest but Carr nearly pulled off a comeback against a tiring Takahashi.

World silver medalist Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) would like to return to the podium, while Yones EMAMI (IRI) and veteran Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) remain strong contenders.

Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ)Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ), blue, and Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) wrestled in the 70kg final at 2024 World Championships. Kaipanov won gold. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Top-seeded Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) and world champion Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) will go for the 70kg title. Kaipanov defeated Aoyagi in last year’s final to win gold. Aoyagi seemed in form with a win at the Budapest Ranking Series but will be challenged in Zagreb.

Kaipanov won 74kg gold at the Asian Championships but is now back at 70kg to defend his world title. While Aoyagi is a key challenger, others may break Kaipanov’s defensive wall.

Former world silver medalist Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) will be the biggest threat as he hunts for his first world title. His attacking style troubles many, though his conditioning is still a work in progress. The field is deeper with Asian champion Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ), who entertains with crafty moves, though that can be his undoing.

Viktor RASSADIN (TJK), a Paris Olympian and second to Akmataliev in Asia, is also a medal threat. Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) will be at 70kg. Saiyn KAZYRYK (UWW) can make a run to the final but will be tested on the international level.

PJ DUKE (USA), coming off a world U20 gold, and world medalist Arman ANDREASYAN (ARM), will look to add to their success.

Spencer LEE (USA)Olympic silver medalist Spencer LEE (USA) is chasing his first world title at 57kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Lee chases world gold

In other weight classes, Spencer LEE (USA) will be looking to win a world medal. A United States wrestler winning the gold medal in the lowest weight category is a rare occurrence. Thomas GILMAN (USA) won gold in 2021 and silver in 2022; however, the country drew a blank in 2023.

Now, Paris Olympic silver medalist Lee is primed to win gold at 57kg in Zagreb. This will be his first World Championships, but he is the favorite to claim the title. It is unlikely he will face much trouble, but if he does, it will likely come from 2023 world bronze medalist Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) and Paris bronze medalists AMAN (IND) and Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB).

The field is further intensified by Asian champion Chong Song HAN (PRK), European silver medalist Azamat TUSKAEV (SRB), and Iran’s Ali MOMENI (IRI).

At 79kg, Akhmed USMANOV (UWW), world champion in 2023, should have no trouble winning his second title despite familiar foes like Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO) and Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI).

Usmanov defeated both en route to his 2023 gold and has since won the European Championships in 2024 and 2025. In the final in Slovakia, Usmanov overcame veteran Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA).

Khadjiev remains a podium contender but recently suffered a close loss to Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) in Budapest, making the Greek wrestler a real medal threat. Also not to be counted out is Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR), who has consistently been competitive at the World Championships.

New dawn at 86kg
The 86kg category will see a big shift in Zagreb. Since 2017, Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) and David TAYLOR (USA) have shared the gold medals at Worlds. However, that near-decade-long reign is ending. Taylor has retired, and Yazdani has moved up a weight class, skipping this year.

So who will be champion in Zagreb? Two-time world champion Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI), second to Yazdani at 86kg, will be the favorite. He was competing at 92kg and was close to a third world title before losing heartbreakingly in the semifinals to Sadulaev.

Also Read: "I was destroyed" - Ghasempour on Sadulaev loss

Now back at the Olympic weight class, Ghasempour aims to deliver his best performance in Zagreb. He is unseeded, which means he can be drawn anywhere in the bracket.

The weight class is packed with talent. European silver medalist Mahamedkhabib KADZIMAHAMEDAU (UWW) is thriving at 86kg and nearly won gold at the European Championships. Former world U20 champion Ibragim KADIEV (UWW) is another strong contender despite limited top-level international experience.

Zahid VALENCIA (USA) has improved significantly over the past year and is a potential podium finisher with his attacking pace. Arsenii DZHIOEV (AZE) and Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) are dark horses who could surprise in this competitive field.

PodiumAll four 2025 European Championships medalist Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE), left, Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE), second from left, Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), third from left, and Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR) are medal threats in Zagreb. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Two-time world silver medalists Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) and Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), European champion Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE), Asian champion Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI), and former world silver medalists Batyrbek TSAKULOV (SVK) and Deepak PUNIA (IND) make the 92kg category one of the toughest in Zagreb.

Though he lacks a World Championships medal, Trent HIDLAY (USA) is a top gold-medal contender after winning gold in Budapest. He is currently one of the strongest wrestlers globally.

Firouzpour, moving into the spotlight after Ghasempour’s shift down a weight class, enters Zagreb as a favorite. Though new to Worlds, his Iranian style with underhook pushouts and takedowns makes him a serious threat.

Nurmagomedov and Kurugliev battled at the European Championships and Budapest, with Kurugliev prevailing both times. Maisuradze remains a strong competitor despite a recent dip in form.

At 125kg, Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) stands head and shoulders above the rest, though European champion Giorgi MESHVILDISHVILI (AZE), Solomon MANASHVILI (GEO), Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL), and Wyatt HENDRICKSON (USA) aim to challenge him.