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World Olympic Qualifier Freestyle Paris 2024 Qualification Bouts

Saturday, May 11, 2024 - 07:46 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

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ISTANBUL, Turkiye (May 11) -- Freestyle takes the stage at the World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul. After the 18 quotas of Greco-Roman and 12 of Women's Wrestling were decided, 12 Freestyle Paris 2024 spots will be handed out on Saturday and 6 more on Sunday.

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The Paris 2024 Qualification bouts will begin at 2000 hours local time in Istanbul

18:24: Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) caps the 8 1/2-hour session with a 3-0victory over  JAIDEEP (IND) at 74kg. The three-time world medalist scores a takedown in the first period and gets an activity point in the second to move one win away from his first trip to the Olympics.

18:18: For once, it was Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) coming up on the short end of a dramatic, down-to-the-wire match. Chermen VALIEV (ALB) pulled off a stunning 5-5 win on criteria at 74kg over the Italian star, who had posted nail-biting wins in his previous two matches. With Chamizo leading 3-2 in the second period, Valiev scores a stepout off a scramble, but Chamizo goes back ahead 5-3 with a stepout and fleeing point. But with time running out, Valiev lunges for an ankle and latches on, which Chamizo responds to by heading out of Dodge. That gives Valiev a stepout and fleeing point to go up 5-5 on last point. In the final seconds, Chamizo forces Valiev to the edge, but the Albanian slips out of danger to clinch the win.

18:02: Viktor RASSADIN (TJK), aiming to become Tajikstan's first Olympic wrestler since 2012, keeps the pressure on and it pays off with two activity points and a 2-0 victory over Vadym TSURKAN  (UKR) at 74kg. He will face the winner of Frank CHAMIZO  (ITA)-Chermen VALIEV (ALB), which is next up on Mat B.

17:52: The dynamo known as Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) continues his impressive run at 65kg, shucking and spinning his way to a 9-0 victory over Abdulmazhid KUDIEV (TJK). The Asian silver medalist scores a stepout and a takedown-gut wrench combo for a 5-0 lead in the first period and adds two takedowns in the second. He will face SUJEET (IND) for the ticket to Paris.

17:45: European champion Islam DUDAEV (ALB) saved by the challenge! Kwang Jin KIM (PRK) led 2-0 with Dudaev on his legs. Dudaev tried a takedown but the referees did not score it. However, Albania challenged it and won as Kim had three points touching on the mat with Dudaev in control. Dudaev wins 2-2 and advances at 65kg

17:41: Tokyo Olympian Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR), a two-time world bronze medalist at 79kg, scores the go-ahead takedown with 47 seconds left and adds a gut wrench to defeat Zushen LIN (CHN) 6-3 and advance to the qualification match at 86kg.

17:32: In a clash of the two losers of the Paris qualification matches at the Asian Qualifier, Zhiwei DENG (CHN) scores a takedown on a counter of his opponent's attack and holds on for a 3-0 victory over Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) at 125kg. Deng, a 2019 world bronze medalist, finished fifth in Tokyo in his second Olympic appearance.

17:22: Daniel LIGETI (HUN) moved one win away from earning a third Olympic appearance with a 4-0 victory over Zyyamuhammet SAPAROV (TKM) at 125kg. A second-period takedown with Saparov on the activity clock clinched the win for the 34-year-old Ligeti.

17:12: Chongsong HAN (PRK) advances to tonight's Paris qualification match at 57kg by outclassing Horst LEHR (GER) 16-4. Han's speed and strength ruled the day as he scored a takedown and gut wrench to lead 5-0 in the first period. Han scores a takedown, then pads the lead with four points in a scramble in which Lehr finally gets on the board. A 4-point takedown, in which Lehr scores 2 in the flow, ends the match.

17:05: Spencer LEE (USA) is in the Paris qualification bout at 57kg! He needs just 54 seconds to beat former European champion Vladimir EGOROV (MKD) 12-2 using a mix of lace and gut.

AMAN (IND) follows Lee into the Paris qualification bout after he beats Andri YATSENKO (UKR) 12-2. He will wrestle Chongsong HAN (PRK) for the spot

16:58: Rio 2016 bronze medalist Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) gives the home crowd another win, holding off Mohammad MOTTAGHINIA (ESP) for a 5-2 win at 74kg. Demirtas scores a takedown, a stepout and two activity points, with only a second-period takedown by his opponent marring an otherwise perfect performance.

16:50: Two-time Asian medalist Rakhat KALZHAN (KAZ) deals Iran a serious blow in its hopes of fielding a full freestyle lineup in Paris when he notches a solid 7-2 win over Alireza SARLAK (IRI) at 57kg. Kalzhan gains a lift-and-trip takedown in the first period and a smooth duck under in the second. Sarlak manages a pair of stepouts, but Kalzhan stops a late takedown with a pancake for his final 2.

16:55: Viktor RASSADIN (TJK) led Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA) 5-3 in the last 30 seconds but Khadjiev scored exposure to make it 5-5. But he failed to get another point and dropped his 74kg bout 5-5. France challenged asking for two more points but lost which added one more point to Rassadin's score to make it 6-5. 

16:44: Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) must be relieved after that outcome. With 10 seconds left in his bout against Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ), Chamizo was down 1-1 on criteria but Toktomambetov, who had been warned for fleeing, was docked a caution and one point for fleeing again with 3 seconds left, giving Chamizo a 2-1 lead. Kyrgyzstan challenges the call but the fleeing call is held. Kyrgyzstan lose the challenge and Chamizo wins 3-1 to advance at 74kg.

16:38: SUJEET (IND), a 2022 world U20 bronze medalist, keeps the pressure on from the get-go and gradually piles up points while shutting his opponent down to score a 10-0 victory over Tokyo Olympian Junsik YUN (KOR) at 65kg. Next up for the Indian is Lachlan MCNEIL (CAN).

16:30: That will be a 7-2 win for Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL). 70 world champion Zain RETHERFORD (USA) was up 2-2 on criteria with the clock down to the final minute but Tumur Ochir hit a single leg and exposure to make the score 6-2. The U.S. challenged the call but lost the challenge.

16:17: Asian Games bronze medalist Kwang Jin KIM (PRK) scores three 4-point moves and defeats two-time world U23 bronze medalist Maxim SACULTAN (MDA) 12-4 to advance at 65kg. Kim will face Islam DUDAEV (ALB) for a place in the Paris qualification match, as the DPR Korea looks to gain an Olympic freestyle spot after being shut out at the Asian Qualifier.

15:42: Veteran Jose DIAZ (VEN), looking to get back to the Olympics after appearing at London 2012 and Rio 2016, pulls a stunner by beating Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Abraham CONYEDO (ITA) 4-1 at 125kg. Diaz is trailing 1-0 in the second period with Conyedo on the activity clock when the 35-year-old pancakes Conyedo to his back for 2, then clinch the win with a stepout.

15:29: Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN), who won a bronze medal at the Asian Championships before losing in the first round of the Asian Olympic Qualifier, advances at 125kg with a 5-2 win over Oleksandr KHOTSIANIVSKYI (UKR). Khotsianivskyi was on the activity clock in the first period when Sharipov scored a takedown and lace-lock roll to account for his points.

15:27: Two-time Olympian and five-time European medalist Daniel LIGETI (HUN) proves too much for Georgi IVANOV (BUL), finishing up a 12-1 win early in the second period at 125kg. Ligeti scores four takedowns in the first period, then ends the match with a 4-point counter throw as Ivanov drove him to the edge on a tackle attempt.

14:53: Ahmed BATAEV (BUL), a 2022 European silver medalist at 92kg, gets a low takedown with nine seconds left to stun young 2023 Asian champion Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) 4-3 at 97kg. In the first period, Yoshida gets in on a single and lifts it up, but Bataev reaches down and grabs Yoshida's ankle, then drives him back for a takedown. Yoshida avoids making the same mistake in the second period, then adds an activity point for a 3-2 lead. He seems to be on the way to victory Bataev makes a stab at the shoelaces and connects, tripping Yoshida backwards for the winning 2. 

14:53: 2023 Asian champion AMAN (IND) proves too agile and too elusive for Tokyo Olympian Georgi VANGELOV (BUL), as he piles up five takedowns in a 10-6 victory at 57kg. Aman was this year's Zagreb Open champion where Vangelov took a bronze, although they did not face each other.

14:45: 2021 world silver medalist Alireza SARLAK (IRI), looking to fill the only Paris berth in freestyle missing for Iran, advances with a workmanlike 9-3 win over European bronze medalist Roberti DINGASHVILI (GEO) at 57kg. Sarlak gradually builds up a 5-0 lead in the first period with a stepout, activity point, go-behind takedown and stepout. In the second period, he adds two stepouts and a last-second gimme takedown, while giving up a stepout and takedown.

14:31: Spencer LEE (USA) appears almost unconcerned after finding himself in a 6-1 hole early in his 57kg bout with Wanhao ZOU (CHN). Lee just goes to work and, after gaining a stepout, he scores a takedown, then applies a lace lock and rolls three times, and suddenly he's up 10-6. In the second period, Zou scores a stepout and takedown within seconds of each other, but the clock runs out as he tries to turn Lee, who advances with a 10-9 win.  

14:24: Three-time world medalist Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK), who won his fourth straight European title earlier this year, gets off to a good start in his bid for an elusive first Olympics, storming past Arslan AMANMYRADOV (TKM) 11-0 at 74kg.

14:15: Chermen VALIEV (ALB), in his first outing for Albania, rallies to a 10-0 win over Hrayr ALIKHANYAN (ARM) at 74kg. Next up for him is Avtandil KENTCHADZE (GEO).

14:05: A week after Viktor RASSADIN (TJK) won a silver medal at the Asian Championships,  two-time Asian champion Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) came up one win short at 74kg at the Asian Olympic Qualifier. Now, Rassadin in on the inside track to Paris after scoring a takedown in each period in a 4-1 victory over the 2019 world silver medalist at 70kg.

14:00: Former U20 world bronze medalist SUJEET (IND) with a takedown during Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) activity clock to win 3-2 at 65kg. Jalolov was the U20 world champion when Sujeet won the bronze medal.

13:50: Rio 2016 bronze medalist and two-time former world champion Frank CHAMIZO (ITA), coming off a controversial loss at the European Qualifier as he aims to make a third Olympics, pulls off a miracle comeback to defeat 20-year-old Feng LU (CHN) 10-8 at 74kg. Lu opens the match with a takedown and two exposures before Chamizo reverses for a 6-1 lead. In the second period, Chamizo finally catches Lu for a takedown with Lu on the activity clock, then adds an exposure on a counter to make it 6-6, but he still trails on criteria. Chamizo gets a takedown, but Lu counter lifts for 2 to stay ahead 8-8. With the clock ticking down, Chamizo bulls a fatigued Lu down at the edge for a dramatic takedown with :02 on the clock.

13:41: Tokyo Olympian and two-time European silver medalist Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA) pancakes Zagreb Open bronze medalist Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN) to his back for 4, but he won't need the points as he secures the fall at 74kg.

13:31: Zain RETHERFORD (USA) breezes into the next round at 65kg, using a hard cross-face for exposure points to finish off an 11-0 win over Ibrahim GUZAN (YEM) in 2:26.

13:29: Asian Games bronze medalist Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ), who came up one win short at the Asian Qualifier on home soil, caps a second-period rally from three points down by scoring a takedown with 1:10 left to defeat 2021 European silver medalist Ramazan RAMAZANOV (BUL) 5-3 at 74kg.

13:17: Tokyo Olympian Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL), a 2021 world bronze medalist coming off a silver-medal performance at the Asian Championships, opens with a slick 4-point arm throw against Alibeg ALIBEGOV (BRN) at 65kg. He adds two takedowns in the second period, getting an exposure after the second to finish a 10-0 victory with 5 seconds to spare.

13:07: Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO), a 2023 world bronze medalist at 79kg, notches three takedowns in the first period en route to a 9-1 victory over 2019 world bronze medalist and Tokyo Olympian Stefan REICHMUTH (SUI) at 86kg.

13:01: Tokyo fifth placer and Asian Games silver medalist Deepak PUNIA (IND) goes down to Zushen LIN (CHN) at 86kg. He led 3-0 at the break but Lin got on a single-leg before scoring a takedown. He added a gut-wrench to lead 4-3. Punia added a stepout but Lin held 4-4 criteria before he added a late takedown to win 6-4

12:50: Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR) , a world bronze medalist the last two years at 79kg, opens his campaign at 86kg with a 4-0 victory over Aimar ANDRUSE (EST). Mykhailov's points come off a front headlock roll and a single-leg takedown.

12:40: It was experience over youth as 32-year-old 2023 European bronze medalist Sebastian JEZIERZANSKI (POL) takes the lead, loses it, then comes back to defeat two-time world U20 champion Rakhim MAGAMADOV (FRA) 6-3 at 86kg. Jezierzanski goes ahead 2-1 in the second period with an activity point and a stepout, but Magamadov replies with a double-leg takedown with :58 left. But Jezierzanski isn't done, grabbing a takedown and transitioning to a gut wrench with 23 seconds on the clock.

12:17: Two-time reigning European champion Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE) gets a takedown shortly after receiving an activity point with just over a minute left, giving him a 4-0 victory over 2022 world bronze medalist and Tokyo Olympian Boris MAKOEV (SVK) at 86kg.

11:45: Ahmet DUMAN (TUR), the 2022 world U23 silver medalist at 57kg, gets the home crowd revved up with an 11-0 victory over Besir ALILI (MKD) at 65kg.

11:43: Zain RETHERFORD (USA), a two-time world champion at 70kg who had to go through the grueling USA trials just to get to Istanbul, started what he hopes will be a long day at 65kg with a victory by fall over Stefan COMAN (ROU). Retherford, leading 3-2 in the second period, secures the fall after the second of two takedowns. With 37 entries at 65kg, Retherford will have to win five matches to clinch the Olympic spot today.

11:28: An early setback for an Indian team that was shut out in freestyle at both the World Championships and Asian Qualifier. Aaron JOHNSON (JAM) scores a stepout with five seconds left to defeat SUMIT (IND) 2-2 on criteria at 125kg. Jamaica has never had an Olympian in wrestling.

11:18: Georgi VANGELOV (BUL) must be very relieved after that 7-7 victory over Sunggwon KIM (KOR) at 57kg. He led 3-0 at the break when Kim called for a medical timeout for concussion. He returned to score his first point but another timeout later, he hit a duck under for takedown and gut wrench to make it 5-3 in the last minute. However, Vangelov scored a takedown and turn to take a 7-5 lead. Kim got on Vangelov's leg to score a takedown but managed only a stepout and one point for fleeing but Vangelov still held the criteria.

11:06: Arash YOSHIDA (JPN), the 20-year-old rising hope in the upper weights for Japan, scores three takedowns in the first period before finishing up an 11-1 win in the second over Nishan RANDHAWA (CAN) at 97kg. Yoshida, whose father is Iranian and runs the wrestling club in Japan where he started the sport, won the Asian gold and finished fifth at the World Championships last year at 92kg.

10:51: Veteran Magomed IBRAGIMOV (UZB) uses a lace lock to build up a 9-0 lead in the first period against Adlan VISKHANOV (FRA), then finishes him off with a takedown with just over a minute left to advance 11-0 at 97kg.

10:51: Two-time European bronze medalist Horst LEHR (GER), leading 5-0 in the second period, hits a slick 4-point arm throw, then adds a gut wrench for an 11-0 victory over Ilman MUKHTAROV (FRA) at 57kg.

10:46: Spencer LEE (USA), the one-time wunderkind of U.S. wrestling who world junior titles in 2015 and 2016 but was sidetracked by injuries and college commitments, wastes no time in getting his quest for a first trip to the Olympics started at 57kg. He gets a quick takedown against Ben TARIK (MAR), applies a lace lock and, with four rapid rolls, he's a 10-0 winner in 23 seconds. 

10:00: The six Freestyle weight classes will be in action today for the 12 Paris spots and also the women's wrestling playoff later in the evening.

#WrestleZagreb

World Championships 2025 Freestyle Preview

Monday, September 8, 2025 - 13:14 By Vinay Siwach

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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.