Rivalry

Wrestling Showcases Heavyweight Battle in Short Film, "Rivalry: Taha v. Geno" 

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 15) -- They are the largest men in the sport of wrestling and for the past several years they've been exchanging some of its most epic battles.

With back-and-forth action and incredible stamina leading to nail-biting outcomes, Rio Olympic champion Taha AKGUL (TUR) and three-time world champion Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) have become appointment viewing for wrestling fans around the world. The duo has competed more than a half dozen times, exchanging wins and losses in what are often high-scoring matches with exertion that often seems in defiance of what is possible.

The documentary highlights the action on the mat, but also the incredible respect and admiration the duo shares for each other. 'I'm extra prepared and motivated each time we wrestle," says Akgul in the film. "He's an incredible sportsman with a strong will," replies Petriashvili.

While the action on the mat can get heated, the duo has showcased the power of respect in a rivalry and that wrestling -- while intense and without forgiveness -- can be a platform for building character.

Fans can watch the documentary for free on YouTube, IGTV, Facebook, and the UWW website.

#AmateurMMA, #Pankration

U15, U17, U20 Pankration & Amateur MMA World C'ships 2025 Guide

By United World Wrestling Press

LOUTRAKI, Greece (October 30) -- The Pankration World Championships in U15 and U17 age-group and Amateur MMA World Championships in U20 will be held in Loutraki, Greece from November 5 to 9.

In Amateur MMA for U20 men's and women's, the weight classes will be:

U20 Men's: 57kg, 62kg, 66kg, 71kg, 77kg, 84kg, 93kg, 100kg, 130kg
U20 Women's: 50kg, 53kg, 57kg, 61kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg, 90kg

Amateur MMA

Pankration, to be held in U15 and U17, will see the following weight classes:

U17 Men's: 57kg, 62kg, 66kg, 71kg, 77kg, 84kg, 93kg, 100kg, 120kg, +120kg
U17 Women's: 50kg, 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 66kg, 71kg, 77kg, +77kg

U15 Men's: 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 66kg, 71kg, 77kg, 84kg, +84kg
U15 Women's: 50kg, 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 66kg, 71kg, +71 kg

The schedule for the Pankration and Amateur MMA Championships is available here: CLICK HERE