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World Championships 2025 Greco-Roman Preview

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - 14:16 By Vinay Siwach

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ZAGREB, Croatia (September 9) -- The last time the Azerbaijan Greco-Roman team did not finish on the podium in the team rankings was back in 2019. Since then, it has remained in the top three for four consecutive editions of the World Championships, including two first-place finishes in 2023 and 2024.

The country will once again be one of the toughest to beat at the World Championships, bringing some of the strongest wrestlers to Zagreb to defend its team title.

Five world medalists, including three champions, and four former European medalists, including two champions, make up Azerbaijan's lineup, led by Olympic and world medalist Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE). World champions Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) at 55kg, Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE) at 60kg, and Ulvu GANIZADE (AZE) at 72kg will be key to the team's success.

Supporting them are former European champion Murad MAMMADOV (AZE) at 63kg, world silver medalist Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE) at 77kg, European champion Gurban GURBANOV (AZE) at 82kg, European medalist Islam ABBASOV (AZE) at 87kg, former European U23 champion Murad AHMADIYEV (AZE) at 97kg, and former European medalist Beka KANDELAKI (AZE) at 130kg.

The biggest rival for Azerbaijan will be Iran which is also bringing a strong team to Zagreb. With Olympic champions Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) at 97kg, Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) at 67kg, and Olympic silver medalist Alireza MOHAMADI (IRI) at 87kg, Iran also has world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) who is looking to defend his 130kg gold.

Other names include world U20 champions Payam AHMADI (IRI) at 55kg, Ali AHMADI VAFA (IRI) at 60kg, world U23 champion Danial SOHRABI (IRI) at 72kg, and Zagreb Open champion Gholamreza FAROKHI (IRI) at 82kg.

Azerbaijan's Golden Trio

Azerbaijan's three world champions from 2024 -- Azizli, Mammadli, and Ganizade -- will face a stronger field than last year.

Azizli, a four-time world champion at 55kg, is the favorite. However, his loss to Emin SEFERSHAEV (UWW) in the European Championships final puts an asterisk on that tag.

Iran will send world U20 champion Payam AHMADI (IRI) over Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) after the former won a selection bout. It will be interesting to see how the young wrestler adjusts to the senior level. Vakhtang LOLUA (GEO) and Taiga ONISHI (JPN) are also potential podium finishers at 55kg.

At 60kg, Mammadli aims for back-to-back world titles. After winning at 63kg last year, he has returned to his preferred 60kg, where he claimed European gold earlier this year. Mammadli is known for his dominant par terre wrestling, making it tough for opponents to turn him from that position.

Despite his advantage, Mammadli will face challenges in Zagreb. A European final rematch against Georgij TIBILOV (SRB) is likely, as Tibilov has troubled him in the past but never defeated him. Both could meet in the semifinals.

Paris Olympic bronze medalist Se Ung RI (PRK) will also be in contention for a medal, a feat DPR Korea has not achieved in Greco-Roman since 2015.

Ali AHMADI VAFA (IRI) is aiming for success at the senior level after winning gold at the 2024 U20 World Championships. He has the potential to challenge the top wrestlers. Former world champion Victor CIOBANU (MDA) will also be looking to regain his momentum, while Asian silver medalist Kaito INABA (JPN) will make his World Championships debut.

Ganizade, the third world champion from Azerbaijan, faces a tough road at 72kg, with two other world champions and an Olympic silver medalist in the mix. Experienced wrestlers like Selcuk CAN (TUR) and Danial SOHRABI (IRI) also add to the competition.

Ganizade narrowly defeated former world champion Ibrahim GHANEM (FRA) 3-2 in last year’s final, and they are likely to meet again. Ghanem, who won gold at the European Championships, has been a consistent contender.

Ali ARSALAN (SRB), another world champion in this weight class, has been inconsistent. He earned a bronze last year after losing to Ghanem in the semifinals.

Parviz NASIBOV (UKR), a two-time Olympic silver medalist, still seeks his first world medal and will look to change that in Zagreb.

An incredible storyline is unfolding at 67kg as Taishi NARIKUNI (JPN) attempts to win gold. Narikuni, who won gold at 70kg in Freestyle in 2023, now hopes to add a Greco-Roman world title to his list of achievements.

Three-Way Battle at 67kg

Esmaeili, the biggest gold-medal favorite, won gold at the Asian Championships. He has never wrestled at a senior Worlds but is a former world U20 champion. He won gold at the Asian Championships with a 3-0 win over Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ). He will now look to win his first world medal.

Like Esmaeili, Jafarov has also never won gold at the World Championships. He missed his chance in 2023 after losing to Tokyo Olympic champion Luis ORTA (CUB) in the final. Jafarov went on to win bronze at the Paris Olympics and will be a favorite in Zagreb.

Orta has defeated both Esmaeili and Jafarov but lost to the Iranian in Paris. He will be looking to add a second world gold to his name despite winning bronze in Paris.

Saravi: From Challenger to Leader

For years, Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) has been a challenger to Artur ALEKANYAN (ARM) in the 97kg weight class. But after defeating Aleksanyan at the Paris Olympics and seeing the Armenian lose at the European Championships, Saravi has emerged as the new leader in the 97kg class. Now, Aleksanyan, a four-time world champion, will try to reclaim his place at the top of the podium.

Both Saravi and Aleksanyan lost to Gabriel ROSILLO (CUB) at the 2023 World Championships -- Saravi in the semifinals and Aleksanyan in the final. While Rosillo's surprise victory in 2023 shocked many, it's unlikely he'll repeat that, meaning Saravi vs Aleksanyan might be the final showdown in Zagreb.

The 97kg field also features Paris Olympic bronze medalist Uzur DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ), Kiryl MASKEVICH (UWW) [who moved up from 87kg this season], European silver medalist Lucas LAZOGIANIS (GER), and former world U23 champions Artur SARGSIAN (UWW) and Alex SZOKE (HUN).

Kusaka's Return

Nao KUSAKA (JPN), Olympic champion, returns for the first time since winning gold at the Paris Games, aiming to claim his first world title after falling short in 2023 to Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ). Kusaka is the favorite for gold but will face tough competition from Olympic silver medalist Demeu ZHADRAYEV (KAZ), who is seeded fifth. Both Kusaka and Zhadrayev could meet in the quarterfinals.

World champion and Paris bronze medalist Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) will try to avenge his loss to Kusaka, while Asian champion Aram VARDANYAN (UZB), who has been having a career resurgence, aims to add a world medal.

Other potential challengers include Robert FRITSCH (HUN), Yryskeldi MAKSATBEK UULU (KGZ), Alexandrin GUTU (MDA), Sergei KUTUZOV (UWW), and Alireza ABDEVALI (IRI), all of whom are capable of causing upsets.

Mohmadi’s Chance at 87kg

Though missing Olympic champion Semen NOVIKOV (BUL), the 87kg weight class remains highly competitive. Paris silver medalist Alireza MOHMADI (IRI), a favorite, is known for his excellent conditioning and ability to score from par terre.

Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN), the Paris bronze medalist, will also be in the mix for gold, capable of defeating anyone on his best day with his high-paced style and big throws.

Other threats include European champion David LOSONCZI (HUN), Islam YEVLOYEV (KAZ), Asan ZHANYSHOV (KAZ), and Mukhammadkodir RASULOV (UZB).

At 130kg, Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) will aim to defend his 2023 world title after stunning Riza KAYAALP (TUR) in the final. Mirzazadeh is the favorite but faces competition from former world silver medalist Oscar PINO (CUB), European champion Sergei SEMENOV (UWW), age-group world champion Hamza BAKIR (TUR), and Pavel HLINCHUK (UWW).

63kg: Abuladze vs Kamal

The battle for 63kg gold could come down to Leri ABULADZE (GEO) and Kerem KAMAL (TUR). Kamal, the most improved wrestler of the year, has won Ranking Series golds and European gold after moving up from 60kg to 63kg.

Abuladze, the 2023 world gold medalist, will return to 63kg, aiming to defend his title after struggling at 67kg. His defense is at par with the best, but scoring from par terre will be key to his success.

Challengers include Asian and world U20 champion Aytjan KHALMAKHANOV (UZB), Mohammad KESHTKAR (IRI), Vitalie ERIOMENCO (MDA), Murad MAMMADOV (AZE), and Sergey EMELIN (UWW), a bronze medalist from Tokyo.

Gurban GURBANOV (AZE), the European champion, has gold medals from all age-group World Championships and will now aim for senior-level success. GURBANOV’s confidence will be high after winning the European Championships in dominating fashion at 82kg.

However, facing off against the Asian wrestlers, Gholamreza FAROKHI (IRI), Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN), and Jalgasbay BERDIMURATOV (UZB), will pose significant challenges.

Turkiye's 2024 European champion Alperen BERBER (TUR) will debut at the World Championships and is considered a strong medal contender.

Stadnik retires: Europe's best who rewrote history

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 11:06 By Vinay Siwach

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BAKU, Azerbaijan (February 4) -- Four Olympic medals, six World Championships medals, 10 European titles, two European Games golds, many triumphs and heartbreaks later, Mariya STADNIK (AZE) has called it a day.

Stadnik, who debuted 22 years ago in 2003, announced her decision to retire from wrestling in an event organized by Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation in Baku on Monday. In an emotional video, Stadnik can be seen removing her shoes on the mat in front of a crowd and then speaking about her career.

"I recorded my name in the history of Women's Wrestling. Thank you to everyone who created this story together with me," Stadnik wrote on Instagram. "Now it's time to close this page of my life and write a new history."

Back in 2003, Stadnik began with a gold medal at the U17 European Championships, won a U20 world title two years later, added senior one as well and had a storied Olympic career which was laden with heartbreaks.

"I always had the motivation and will to win," Stadnik said last year. "I have had this will since early childhood, and this is endless."

READ MORE: Stadnik, 34, remains unbeaten in Europe

Though her will has stretched her career over two decades, Stadnik's decision to retire came after a lot of thought.

"In wrestling, I used all my chances," Stadnik said. "Now I understand that the time has come when I can be useful for wrestling in another role."

The 36-year-old, who was born in Ukraine but competed for Azerbaijan, will be moving into a caretaker role with the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation in Women's Wrestling and will be responsible for churning out new stars.

When Stadnik made her debut in 2003, Japan, China, United States and Canada were top nations. However, Stadnik changed that. She won her first World Championships medal in 2007 and qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in which she won a bronze medal as an 18-year-old.

Soon, she won her first world title in 2009 and emerged as the new force from Europe. She went on to win the European Championships as well. Stadnik brought competition to Women's Wrestling.

"For these countries, the competition with me was always serious," she said. "We always had tense and intriguing fights that were followed by the whole world. Mariya Stadnik from Azerbaijan was always a danger for them."

Mariya STADNIK (AZE)Mariya STADNIK (AZE) won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Martin Gabor)

Perhaps it was no surprise that she was in the final of 2011 World Championships and 2012 London Games. However, she came up short both times to Hitomi OBARI (JPN).

"I give a lot of respect to Obara because she was stronger than me at that moment and the London gold was hers," she said. "She was my strongest opponent whom I respect very much."

Barring those Japanese hurdles, Stadnik was unstoppable. She added more medals at the continental level and always stood on the podium at the World Championships.

Mariya STADNIK (AZE)A dejected Mariya STADNIK (AZE) at the 48kg medal ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Tony Rotundo)

Then came the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Stadnik was at the peak of her wrestling her. A Olympic gold would take so much off her back. She was in the final of the 48kg in Rio and the gold medal was within touching distance as she was leading Eri TOSAKA (JPN) 2-1 in the final. But Tosaka crushed those dreams in the final five seconds, beating Stadnik 3-2.

Stadnik till today has no explanation as to what happened in those last five seconds of the final against Tosaka.

"I didn't watch my match from Rio for two years and still can't find an explanation why that competition ended like that," Stadnik said. "I knew and felt that the Rio gold should have been mine."

Stadnik geared up for one more time. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics would have been perfect ending for her. But by then, wrestling had changed with two-day weight ins, a newer generation of wrestlers had come up and Yui SUSAKI (JPN) was on a mission.

Mariya STADNIK (AZE)Mariya STADNIK (AZE) lost her first meeting with Yui SUSAKI (JPN) 2-2 at the Klippan Lady Open in 2018. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fynn)

The first time Stadnik and Susaki faced each other was in the Klippan Lady Open final in 2018. Stadnik was winning the final but Susaki scored a stepout in the final second to shock Stadnik.

People doubted Stadnik and her mental strength. The 2019 World Championships gave a huge boost of confidence for Stadnik who won her second of the two world titles in Astana, exactly ten years after winning her first.

The Tokyo Olympics were just 10 months away and Stadnik was ready for it. However, with COVID-19 pandemic, it got pushed to 2021 and Susaki went on to win the gold medal with a 41-0 record in four bouts including a 10-0 rout of Stadnik in the semifinals.

Stadnik still managed to win a bronze medal, her fourth of the Olympics, tying her with Kaori ICHO (JPN) and Saori YOSHIDA (JPN). Icho was four golds and Yoshida has three silver and one bronze.

"I know people talk about the gold medal but I am so happy with this bronze. It's satisfying," she said back in 2021.

But Stadnik wasn't satisfied with wrestling. After being away from the mat in 2022, she returned in 2023 and won her ninth European title, the most in Women's Wrestling, extending her unbeaten streak in European Championships to 34 bouts.

Then she made a run for the Paris Olympics and though that meant taking losses to opponents she used to toy with in the past, the mother of two secured her place for Paris in the final qualifiers in Istanbul. Her body was ageing, reducing weight was becoming gruesome and her opponents were becoming quicker.

She returned home without a medal but became the first female wrestler to compete at five Olympics. Soon after Paris, Stadnik reflected on what she has left for wrestling and decided that a role off the mat was more suited now. Letting go off something so big in her life was hard and emotional for her.

"When I watched the video in which I take my shoes off, I had tears," she said. "This is the end of an important part of my life. What I loved so much for many years is ending."