#WrestleBelgrade

Six must-watch battles at World Championships

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 - 09:34 By Eric Olanowski

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BELGRADE, Serbia (September 6) – The World Championships throws certain match-ups that are a must-watch for wrestling fans. We’ve come up with the six bouts that could take place in Belgrade.

FS 65kg - Rahman AMOUZADKHALILI (IRI) vs. Takuto OTOGURO (JPN)

In a weight with endless heavy hitters, offensive juggernauts Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) and Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) continue rising to the top while somehow avoiding each other.

Otoguro has been the weight's most dangerous offensive threat since 2018 when he became the youngest Japanese male to win world gold. He's a guy with cat-like reflexes, is highly elusive, and isn't afraid to give up a point to get a point. His counter-offensive abilities make him super dangerous. He gets to his angles better than anyone in the weight.

Though he has changed his style a little, Otoguro will need his old-school run-and-gun mentality to take out Amouzad. 

Since Otoguro's absence after the Tokyo Olympic Games, Amouzad has emerged as the most-feared wrestler at 65kg.

Amouzad is a tactician when it comes to breaking down his opponents—mentally and physically. He's a guy with relentless forward pressure and a bottomless gas tank. He uses that patented Iranian underhook to close the distance on his opponents and control the mat area. He's only 22 years old but remains poised like a veteran in close matches. He’s confident wrestling in a phone booth but can attack from space, and that makes him a nightmare to wrestle.

This match comes down to Otoguro's ability to solve Amouzad's underhook and put six consecutive minutes together. On the other side, Amouzad has to be methodical when picking his shots and anticipate where and when Otoguro's going to reattack.

WW 50kg - Yui SUSAKI (JPN) vs. Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA)

Earlier this year, Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) went to Los Angeles intending to train with Olympic champion Helen MAROULIS (USA). Unbeknownst to her, a text message set up a surprise training session, described by Hildebrandt as, "a dream training setup." 

As the story goes: Hildebrandt went to LA to train with Maroulis for a week. On the second day of being in California, Yui SUSAKI (JPN), the No. 1 pound-for-pound wrestler in the world and Olympic champion in Hildebrandt's weight class, just so happened to be on vacation in Los Angeles. Susaki contacted Maroulis to set up a training session (just as everyone does while on vacation). The three went to a local jiu-jitsu gym, worked through tie-ups and finishes and rotated in on a few rolls.

Although Hildebrandt and Susaki are two staples on the world and Olympic podium at 50kg, their impromptu LA training session was the first time they'd laid hands on each other. They'll now try to take what they learn from their time together in sunny Los Angeles and carry it into Belgrade for their highly anticipated first meeting.

"I'd say the biggest takeaway for myself was getting to put my hands on her. That it didn't have to be in a big match for that to be the first time," said Hildebrandt. "I know the match will feel different, and I'm sure we will even wrestle somewhat differently, but sharing the same mat, slapping hands, and just wrestling normalized it all in a great way for me."

Susaki, being the student of the sport that she is, also used the Los Angeles training session as an opportunity to boost her knowledge—especially around the American wrestling style.

"During my training in America, I practiced a lot with Helen [and Sarah]. We had a very meaningful time each day, playing offense, defense, matches and sharing techniques," said Susaki. "I also often watch wrestling videos. I often watch videos of American wrestling, so it was a great learning experience for me to learn about American wrestling styles firsthand. I learned about the scramble situation and defenses of American wrestling."

Hildebrandt will now try to use that American wrestling style to become the first woman to hand Susaki an international loss, and she knows what a challenge that'll be.

"I definitely want the match against Susaki. I am in this sport to test and challenge myself. To grow as a person, using wrestling as the invaluable tool that it is on that journey," said Hildebrandt." To beat Yui Susaki would obviously be a huge moment in my career. And it would no doubt be due to years of hard work, learning and relearning, and hours upon hours of time and energy from those who support me."

On the other side, Susaki is focused on the weight as a whole and trying to become a two-time Olympic champion. 

"Since we are all in the same weight class, I want to beat everyone and become a true world champion," said Susaki. "I believe that it will lead to my biggest goal of winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics and achieving two consecutive Olympic titles.

Susaki and Hildebrandt are seeded first and second, respectively, and are favored to face off against each other for 50kg world gold.

GR 67kg - Luis ORTA (CUB) vs. Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI) 

It’s a rare occurrence having Olympic champions share a bracket together, but that’ll be the case as Reza GERAEI and Luis ORTA (CUB) will share the 67kg bracket in Belgrade. Both of these guys possess a high wrestling IQ and experience, making this potential matchup a must-watch.

Geraei is a true 72kg competitor who struggles to make 67kg, while Ortz Sanchez is a true 63kg pushing to make 67kg.

Geraei, despite losing the final last year, has been a top wrestler at 67kg over the last few years, catapulting himself up the pound-for-pound rankings after winning world and Olympic gold medals. 
 
On the other side, Orta won Olympic gold at 60kg but moved up to 67kg at the beginning of 2023. After wrestling at five competitions this season at 67kg, and winning golds at the Central American and Caribbean Games, Pan-American Championships and the Grand Prix of France, Orta found his stride at 67kg and is starting to feel at home in his new weight class.
 
“I felt the difference at first in the strength, but I think I have adapted well,” said Orta. “I think that at 67kg there are good wrestlers and will be one of the divisions where there will be several very good matches. I hope to be in the final and put on a good show.”
 
Of course, one of those guys Orta is referring to is the heavily-targeted Geraei. 
 
“I have thought about wrestling [Geraei] and think it would be a good match. Maybe it could be the World Championship final,” said Orta. [His] greatest strength is his size for the division and he is a very complete wrestler.”

If they were to meet, Orta must focus on stopping Geraei’s most valuable assets -- the misdirection duck under and the reverse lift from par terre. 

Meanwhile, Geraei has to focus on match management and not emptying his gas tank too early. The World Championships is a two-day weigh-in competition so conserving energy for the five-match stretch is really important.
 
The late entry of HUSIYUETU (CHN) knocked Ortz out of the No. 8 seed. He’ll now have a blind draw into the bracket, which means he could meet Geraei as early as the opening round on Saturday, September 23.

GR 87kg - Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) vs. Semen NOVIKOV (BUL)

Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) and Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) were once compatriots, vying for the right to represent Ukraine at 87kg on the world and Olympic stage. Both guys excelled in 2019, with Beleniuk winning senior world gold and Novikov winning U23 world gold -- and were favored to win a medal in Tokyo.

However, only one spot was available on the Tokyo Olympic team, leading to an in-country battle.

This created a highly publicized and often criticized battle that saw Beleniuk, the eventually Olympic champion, walk away with the Tokyo spot and Novikov put in his transfer papers to Bulgaria.

"Beleniuk is not the reason I left; I'm not afraid of a rivalry," said Novikov. "I believed in myself, and I felt that I had chances, but he was going to be Ukraine's representative either way."

After falling to Beleniuk in the finals twice at the Ukraine Championships, Novikov wants nothing more than to take out Beleniuk at the 2023 World Championships, and he wants to do it in style.

"I hope we will meet in the finals. I waited for this moment for four years," said Novikov. "I'll be happy when I win this rematch. It means that I became a little better."

The heated history between these two competitors adds extra anticipation to their potential matchup in Belgrade.

WW 57kg - Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) vs. Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) 

Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) has made one of the most notable weight change heading into the World Championships, dropping down from 59kg to the highly competitive Olympic weight of 57kg. 
 
This sets the stage for a thrilling clash with returning world champ Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) for the top spot in the world.

Nichita is one of the most promising young talents in the sport. Just 24, she’s experienced well beyond her years and brings an extensive track record of success in Belgrade. Since 2019, she's competed and won at least a medal at 15 of 16 senior-level events, except for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, where she finished in seventh place.

To maintain her reign and win a second world title, Nichita knows she'll likely have to go through Japan's Sakurai -- a match she says would be interesting if it comes to fruition.

"The Japanese women are number one in the world. And Sakurai is one of them," said Nichita. "Sakurai is a strong athlete and she managed to [beat] the two-time Olympic champion Risako KAWAI (JPN) [in Japan's wrestle-offs]. It will be really interesting for me to fight against her."

But Sakurai is a different monster. Two years younger than Nichita, Sakurai has also been in many meaningful matches with high-level opponents and has wins over Olympic champions Kawai and Maroulis in the last twelve months.

Sakurai is patient with her leg attacks and finishes with purpose. Her ability to pressure her opponents while remaining physical with her hand-fighting is what separates her from the pack. Her six-minute constant pressure tends to wear on her opponents, especially in the second period.

But Nichita thrives in those deep-water, close-matches situations. Outside of her insane cardio, the most impressive part about Nichita's wrestling is her mental approach. The Nichita you see when she walks to the match is the same Nichita you're going to see if she's up by five or down by five. She's one of the most poised and composed wrestlers in the sport and never wavers from her belief in her abilities.

"I don't want to make any promises now, but I'll do my best to make it an interesting fight [against Sakurai]. If it's a good day for me then I can fight anyone without fear," said Nichita.

FS 125kg - Gable STEVESON (USA) vs. Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI)
*On Monday, Steveson dropped out of the 2023 World Championships. He'll be replaced by Mason PARRIS (USA).

Despite only being 22 years old, Gable STEVESON (USA) and Amir ZARE (IRI) have already disrupted the heavyweight pecking order and become worldwide superstars.

The two have engaged in repeated exchanges on social media, each staking their claim as the "Heavyweight King." Belgrade could potentially put an end to that debate.

Steveson is one of wrestling's most remarkable talents, possessing a type of athleticism never seen by a wrestling heavyweight. He's a lightweight at heart that’s stuck in a heavyweight's body. A showman who has incorporated backflips into his post-match celebrations, Steveson is a master at mental warfare, oozing with a confidence that can be felt, more than it's seen. 

But if there's one guy who can match what Steveson does on the mat and what he says off the mat, it's Zare. That was on display after he won world gold in Oslo, when he put a superficial crown on his own head, staking claim as the heavyweight king.

"[Gable] is a good talent and I think he has a different wrestling style than others; he is very bold. In my opinion, his biggest strength is his self-confidence," said Zare.

When it comes to the remaining heavyweight field, other tier-one talents include Taha AKGUL (TUR) and Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO), both of whom are also world champs. But Zare already has wins over Akgul and Petriashvili, leaving one guy on the hit list.

"Defeating [Gable] doesn't mean anything to me like other competitors because of the sense of competition I have with him. Winning against him makes me happy because we have a common goal in this competition," said Zare. 

Freestyle opens up the 2023 World Championships, and with Steveson being unseeded, we could see this match as soon as September 15.

The 2023 World Championships kicks off September 16-24 in Belgrade, Serbia, and can be followed live on UWW+, or on the, “The Home of Wrestling,” United World Wrestling’s app.

#WrestleTirana

Muhamet Malo 2025 Ranking Series Day 3 Finals Set

Friday, February 28, 2025 - 10:08 By Vinay Siwach

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TIRANA, Albania (February 28) -- Muhamet Malo Ranking Series enters day three with four Women's Wrestling and two Greco-Roman weight classes. Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) will be in action at GR 87kg alongwith silver medalist Alireza MOHAMADIPIANI (IRI) and both are on collision course as well. Other Paris Olympic medalist in action are Grace BULLEN (NOR) at WW 62kg and Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) at WW 65kg.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 2 RESULTS

16:45: Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) will look to avenge her round-robin loss to Irina RINGACI (MDA) as she wins her semifinal against Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) to enter the gold medal bout. Koliadenko, a Paris silver medalist at 62kg, was 1-0 at the break after Morikawa's inactivity. But Morikawa launched a huge but sloppy double-leg to score four points at the start of the second period to lead 4-1. Koliadenko was put on activity clock but did not score which gave a point to Morikawa. Koliadenko then scored a takedown with a minute left to cut the lead to 5-3. Morikawa answered with another stepout and led 6-3, the winning score.

Irina RINGACI (MDA) won 10-0 over Aleah NICKEL (CAN). She finished the bout with an ankle pick for four. Ringaci won the round-robin bout against Morikawa 6-5. They both go against each other in about three hours time.

16:30: Sakura ONISHI (JPN) sees off Solomiia VYNNYK (UKR) in the 59kg semifinal. She scored a takedown, stepout before Vynnyk was docked for cautioned for locking Onishi's neck. From forced par terre, Onishi used the head between legs to roll Vynnyk twice and make it 8-0. Vynnyk scored exposure using chestwrap but it was scored two for Onishi as she never got turned. Ukraine challenged the decision and won which made it 8-2 at the break. Vynnyk was docked a caution for blocking Onishi who finished the match with an ankle pick four-pointer on the edge. She won 13-2.

Anastasiia SIDELNIKOVA (UWW) survived an onslaught from Bediha GUN (TUR) in the final 30 seconds to win 4-4 in the other semifinal. Down 4-0, Gun scored a takedown and was awarded a caution point. Another takeodwn made it 4-4 but she could not get another point as Sidelnikova won 4-4 through points via bigger technique (2+2).

16:20: Idris IBAEV (GER) enters the 77kg final after beating Kodai SAKURABA (JPN) in an action-filled match. He got the par terre in first period and turned Sakuraba who also committed a foul. A stepout was awarded to Ibaev on review which made his lead 6-0. Sakuraba wasn't focused as he walked out of the zone thinking he has scored a stepout but Ibaev got the points. He then tried a headlock which Ibaev defended and scored four points. Japan challenged the call and won as it was a risk by Sakaruba who managed to get on board with a pushout. Ibaev challenged and got the pushout point as Sakuraba's hand was out before him.

Yryskeldi MAKSATBEK UULU (KGZ) will face Ibaev in the final after he defeated Per Albin OLOFSSON (SWE) 6-1. Maksatbek Uulu blocked Olofsson from par terre and led 2-1 at the break. In the second period, Olofsson was about to take Maksatbek Uulu but lost his balance and the Kyrgyz scored a takedown which Olofsson challenged and lost. With a 5-1 lead, Maksatbek Uulu got a passivity call to make it 6-1 and won.

16:00: We have the 87kg finalists in Greco-Roman! Paris silver medalist Alireza MOHAMMADIPIANI (IRI) and David LOSONCZI (HUN) will wrestle for gold. Mohammadipiani with an impressive win -- 6-1 over Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB). He got the par terre advantage and turned Komarov twice to lead 5-0 at break. Komarov got his par terre chance in the second period but failed to score from the position and Mohammadipiani defended for the rest of the match to win and enter the final.

Losonczi brought his motor to the semifinal against Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) and led 2-1 at the break with two stepouts. Sterkenburg was cautioned for a move against bone joints and docked two points. He challenged and lost another as Losonczi led 5-1. Sterkenburg was called passive which added another point to Losonczi's score before a stepout added another for a 7-1 win for Losonczi and a place in the final. 

15:50: World champion Ami ISHII (JPN) marches on to the 68kg final. Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU) scored the first takedown but Ishii with a reversal and then two turns to make it 5-2. Ishii counters an attempt to make it 7-2 at the break. Ishii continues attacking the legs of Zelenykh and finally gets a takedown with traparm and rolls Zelenykh twice to win 13-2.

Zelu LI (CHN) will be her opponent in the final after the Chinese laced her way to a 10-0 win over Noémi SZABADOS (HUN).

15:40: First semifinals of the day! Women's Wrestling 62kg has three Paris Olympians out of the four semifinalists. The only one not from Paris, LILI (CHN), takes out bronze medalist Grace BULLEN (NOR) and books her spot in the final. Bullen got a takedown and turn before Lili scored reversal and lace. Bullen led 4-3 and Lili scored another takedown and turn to make 7-4. Bullen get the gap to 7-5 with a stepout but Bullen couldn't break the defense and lost 8-3. Lili will face Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) for the gold medal who defeated  Anne NUERNBERGER (GER) in the other semifinal. Dudova led 3-0 at the break and then scored a takedown and gut wrench to make it 7-0. Solid snapdowns in the match from Dudova as she added another takedown before countering an attack to win 11-0.

15:25: Sakura ONISHI (JPN) with a different approach in the match against Abigail NETTE (USA). With a more cautious approach, Onishi was shut down by Nette who led 1-0 at the break for Onishi's passivity. But Onishi comes out blazing in the second and score 10 straight points using head in the middle. A takedown makes it 12-1 as Onishi advances at 59kg.

15:20: Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) books herself a semifinal with Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) at 65kg. Morikawa with a 3-0 win over Yuqi RAO (CHN).

15:05: Back to Women's Wrestling, and Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) with a 34 second technical superiority win over Aleah NICKEL (CAN) at 65kg. She top her group with that win and enters the semifinal in which she likely to face Miwa MORIKAWAN (JPN).

14:55: Paris Olympic final rematch at Greco-Roman 87kg between Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) and Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI). Novikov had blanked Mohamadipiani 7-0 in the final in Paris. An aggressive start from Mohammadi and he gets a par terre but no score. He leads 1-0 at the break. A stepout and takedown to make it 4-0 in the second period. He is awarded the par terre for his active wrestling to lead 5-0 but he can't score from there. Mohammadi shuts Novikov down completely and wins 5-0. He celebrates with an acknowledgement from the coach.

14:42: Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) scored a takedown and three turns after Muhutdin SARICICEK (TUR) got the par terre and he wins 9-2 at 87kg. A machine from par terre.

14:40: World champion at 72kg Ami ISHII (JPN) is back at 68kg for the Ranking Series. She begins her campaign with a 10-0 technical superiority win over Greda BARTH (GER).

14:30: Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) isn't giving Adaugo NWACHUKWU (USA) any last-second points this time as in Zagreb. Down 4-2, Dudova scores a takedown and then an exposure when Nwachukwu tries to hold on to her 4-4 criteria lead in last 10 seconds to win 6-4. Nwachukwu scored a takedown in the final five seconds in Zagreb to beat Dudova.

14:15: Irina RINGACI (MDA) with a 10-0 technical superiority and Grace BULLEN (NOR) with a fall in their respective bouts at 65kg and 62kg.

14:10: U20 world champion Sakura ONISHI (JPN) with a 10-0 technical superiority win over Bediha GUN (TUR) in Round 2 of 59kg. She is the favorite to win the gold medal

13:35: Alireza MOHAMADIPIANI (IRI), who lost to Novikov in the Paris final, begins with a solid 8-0 win over Tamas LEVAI (HUN) at 87kg. Mohamadipiani got the part terre and turned Levai, who locked Mohamadipiani's neck which is a foul. Hungary challenged the call but lost. With a 6-0 lead, Mohamadipiani turned Levai once to win 8-0

13:30: Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) is into the quarterfinal at 87kg after beating Istvan TAKACS (HUN). He got a turn from par terre to lead 3-0 at the break. Novikov keeps the pressure in the second period and scores a stepout before getting the second par terre as well. No points but enough for Novikov to win 5-0.

13:20: Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) with another 8-0 technical superiority. A stepout, first par terre and four turns to beat Artur OVSEPYAN (UKR) and advance to the 87kg quarterifinals.

13:15: Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) up against Achiko BOLKVADZE (GEO) at 87kg 1/8 final. He scores the opening takedown to be 2-0 up. Georgia challenge but lose. Sterkenburg gets par terre advantage to make it 4-0 but no turn from par terre. Sterkenburg with a strong start in the second and scores a stepout. Bolkvadze tries a headlock but falls on his back and Sterkenburg gets the fall.

13:10: Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) was woken up by Albina DRAZHI (ALB) with the first takedown of their 65kg bout but Koliadenko works her way back and scores 12-2 technical superiority win in Round 1 at 65kg. 

13:00: Irina RINGACI (MDA) and Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) faced off in the 2021 World Championships final which Ringaci won. Four years later, they meet in Round 1 of 65kg in Tirana. Ringaci on the holds straightaway and she scores a takedown and a turn to lead 4-0. Morikawa is more active in the second period but a scramble results in Ringaci landing on top to take the lead 6-0. Morikawa keeps going but Ringaci split defense keeps her at bay before Morikawa scores exposure for two. Another leg elevation from Morikawa for a takedown to make it 6-4 with 17 seconds left. A double leg from Morikawa but Ringaci decides to run out of bounds than give a losing takedown. 6-5 with 6 seconds remaining. Japan challenge the call. Morikawa has no control over Ringaci during stepout. It's only one point and Japan lose the challenge, giving Ringaci a 7-5 lead. She defends the lead for the six seconds to win 7-5. They both can still meet in the final as 65kg is in Nelson system.

12:40: World champion at 59kg in 2023, Qi ZHANG (CHN) was down 8-0 against Amina TANDELOVA (UWW) but mounts a comeback. Zhang with a stepout, a takedown and exposure to make it 8-5 at the break. A caution against Tandelova made it 8-6. A takedown for Zhang but a double leg takedown from Tandelova to make it 10-8. As Zhang tries another attack, Tandelova counters for another two points. She wins 12-8 at 62kg.

12:30: That was quick from Grace BULLEN (NOR). The Paris bronze medalist beats Sara LINDBORG (SWE) 10-0 inside two minutes at 62kg.  

12:25: Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) with all those counter attacks to beat Nikolett SZABO (HUN) 9-0 at 62kg. Dudova led only 1-0 at the break but as Szabo tried to score in the second, Dudova continued to counter those attacks.

12:00: Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) gets former U23 world champion Exauce MUKUBU (NOR) in the first round. Novikoc with a stepout to open the scoring. He turns Mukubu from par terre to lead 4-0. Excellent defense from Mukubu after the first turn. Mukubu begins the second period with a takedown. Novikov was pushing Mukubu towards the zone but Mukubu sneaked and scored a go-behind takedown. Then gets the par terre to make the score 4-3. Novikov blocks the turn attempt and score a gut-wrench to lead 8-3. Novikov wins 8-3.

11:52: Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) with a quick 8-0 technical superiority win over Jiaxin HUANG (CHN). A takedown and gut wrench for Komarov.

11:50: U20 world champion Asan ZHANYSHOV (KGZ) gets a taste of senior level competition as Muhutdin SARICICEK (TUR) beats him 6-2 in the opening round at 87kg. Zhanyshov gets thrown for four from bodylock and is down 5-0. Both wrestlers exchange stepouts and Saricicek leads 6-1 at the break. A stepout from Zhanyshov in the second period is all he got as Saricicek wins 6-2.

11:45: Achiko BOLKVADZE (GEO), one of the three Georgian wrestlers at 87kg, runs into Soh SAKABE (JPN) in the opening round. Sakabe gets the first par terre advantage but Bolkvadze blocks the turn and leads 2-1 at the break. Bolkvadze manages a throw from par terre in the second period to lead 7-1. Sakabe with a headlock throw and is awarded two and one point for reversal for Bolkvadze. Japan challenge for four. But on review, all the points are removed as no one landed in danger. A 7-1 win for Bolkvadze.

11:30: Another rainy day here in Tirana. But wrestlers are ready for day three of the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series with 59kg, 62kg, 65kg and 68kg in Women's Wrestling and 77kg and 87kg in Greco-Roman.