2020 Individual World Cup Preview (57-74 KG)
BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images
This is part one of a two part article series previewing the world championships. Even without the presence of the United States, Japan, Georgia, and a fully stocked Iranian team, the individual world cup is still shaping up to be a tournament boasting strong depth and returning world champs and new contenders vying for world gold.
57 KG
Title Contenders
#1 Zavur Uguev (RUS)- 2x world champion (2018&2019), 3x Russian national champion (‘17,’18,&’19), 2018 Yarygin champ. Key Wins: #2 Azamat Tuskaev ( RUS; 2018 Yarygin finals, 2019 Ali Aliev finals, 2020 Russian nationals finals), #4 Suleyman Atli (TUR; 2019 world finals), #5 Ravi Kumar (IND; 2019 world championships semifinals). Key Losses: #15 Makhir Amiraslanov (AZE; 2019 European Games semifinals), Giorgi Edisherashvili (AZE; 2017&2018 European championships), #2 Azamat Tuskaev (RUS; 2017 Alans finals), Sandeep Tomar (IND; 2017 world championships)
#5 Ravi Kumar (IND)- 2018 U-23 world runner-up, 2019 world bronze medalist, 2020 Asian champion. Key Wins: #10 Reza Atri (IRI; 2019 world bronze medal match), #18 Yuki Takahashi (JPN; 2019 world championships quarterfinals), Nurislam Sanayev (KAZ; 2020 Asian championships, 2020 Matteo Pellicone Finals). Key Losses: #1 Zavur Uguev (RUS; 2019 world championships semifinals), Vladislav Andreev (BLR; 2019 Medved), Toshihiro Hasegawa (JPN; 2018 U-23 world championships finals)
#16 Stevan Andria Micic (SRB)- 2018 European championships bronze medalist, 2018 Ziolkowski champion, 2019 European Games runner-up. Key Wins: #4 Suleyman Atli (TUR; 2019 European Games quarterfinal), Nurislam Sanayev (KAZ; 2018 Ziolkowski), Andrey Yatsenko (UKR; 2020 Matteo Pellicone bronze medal match). Key Losses: #4 Suleyman Atli (TUR; 2019 world championships, 2019 European championships), #15 Makhir Amiraslanov (AZE; 2019 European Games finals), #1 Zavur Uguev (RUS; 2018 European championships).
As has been the case for the past two years, reigning two time world champion #1 Zavur Uguev (RUS) is the man to beat at this weight. I think that while Kumar and Micic have the best chance of anyone else out of the field against him, that doesn’t mean I believe that they are front runners to do so. I believe that a healthy, focused Uguev continues to improve here and picks up his third world title. Keep an eye on #5 Ravi Kumar (IND) as he’s made serious strides since his standout bronze medal performance last year and took gold this year at the Asian championships where he thoroughly handled past world medalists #18 Yuki Takahashi (JPN) and Nurislam Sanayev (KAZ). #17 Stevan Micic (SRB) has had fantastic wins in the past over #4 Suleyman Atli (TUR) and Nurislam Sanayev (KAZ) but he’s struggled to put together complete tournament runs to gold that make me hesitant to be 100% sold on him as the man to beat Uguev, even given his razor thin match with him back in 2018 at the European championships.
Medal Contenders
Arsen Harutyunyan (ARM)- 2x Junior world bronze medalist (‘17&’18), 2019 61 KG European Champion, 2020 61 KG European bronze medalist. Key wins: #4 (61) Beka Lomtadze (GEO; 2019 European championships finals), #13 (61) Recep Topal (TUR; 2019 European championships), Nikolai Okhlopkov (ROU; 2019 European championships). Key Losses: #5 Ravi Kumar (IND; 2019 world championships round of 16), #3 (61) Alexander Bogomoev (RUS; 2020 European championships), Ravinder Ravinder (IND; 2019 U-23 world championships).
Vladislav Andreev (BLR)- 2019 Medved champ, 2014 world bronze medalist, 2018 European bronze medalist . Key Wins: #5 Ravi Kumar (IND; 2019 Medved), #10 Reza Atri (IRI; 2018 world championships), #11 (61) Akhmednabi Gvarzatilov (AZE; 2014 world wrestling championships). Key Losses: #10 Reza Atri (IRI; 2019 round of 32), #18 Yuki Takahashi (JPN; 2018 world championships quarterfinals), Taras Markovych (UKR; 2019 European Games quarterfinals)
Andrey Yatsenko (UKR)- 2016 European championships runner-up 2017 world bronze medalist, 2019 U-23 European champion. Key Wins: #10 Reza Atri (IRI; 2017 world championships Rd1 repechage), #15 Makhir Amiraslanov (AZE; 2016 European championships), Hak Jin Jong (PRK; 2017 world bronze medal match). Key Losses: #1 (65) Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS; 2016 European championships finals), #7 Thomas Gilman (USA; 2017 world championships qualification round), #4 Suleyman Atli (TUR; 2018 Tbilisi GP finals).
In his senior level debut last year at the 61 KG European championship, Arsen Harutyunyan (ARM) upset the eventual world champion #4 (61) Beka Lomtadze (GEO) in an amazing match and Harutunyan was seen as one of, if not the, premier prospect to make noise at world’s. Harutunyan dropped matches to #1 (61) Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) in the finals of the Sargsyan Cup and made the cut down for world’s where he started strong against then unheralded #5 Ravi Kumar (IND) but Kumar stormed back and made a major statement with a 17-6 tech over Harutyunyan. The young Armenian would go to the U-23 world championships back at 61 KG but failed to bring home hardware as he was put away by Ravinder Ravinder (IND) and Dinislam Takhtarov (RUS).
Aside from laying out so much of Harutyunyan’s past year, what matters here that he is the most solid pick out of this group to bring home a medal. The reason why is that Andreev is a very defensively stingy and reattack centered wrestler but is pretty old and pretty worn down at this point, and Yatsenko has a great attack rate and conversion on his par-terre offense but is too defensively liable to be a safe pick against more stingy competition who can shut him out. Safe for Harutyunyan’s issues as a frontrunner who can fall behind in matches he can’t take early leads in, I feel confident about him being the one out of this tier to break through.
Dark Horses
Rahman Mousa Amouzadkhalili (IRI)- 2x 46 KG cadet world champ (‘’18&’19), 2020 Iranian trials runner-up. Key Wins: Alireza Sarlak (2020 Iranian Trials runner-up). Key Losses: #10 Reza Atri (2020 Iranian Trials finals).
Islam Bazarganov (AZE)- 2019 Tbilisi GP runner-up, 2019 Ali Aliev 5th. Key Wins: Ramaz Turmanidze (GEO). Key Losses: #19 Ramiz Gamzatov (RUS; 2020 Moscow Cup), Otari Gogava (GEO; 2019 Tbilisi GP finals), #2 Azamat Tuskaev (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev)
Rahman Mousa Amouzadkhalili (IRI) is a 2x cadet world champion and has been the noise of Iran after pushing #10 Reza Atri (IRI) to the brink at trials and shellacking established domestic talents U-23 world bronze medalist Alireza Sarlak (IRI) and 2013 Junior world champ Younes Sarmistidizaji (IRI). I’m very high on Amouzadkhalili and think he makes a deep run and favor him well over everyone outside of the title contender tier of Uguev, Kumar, and Micic.
61 KG
Title Contenders
#1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS)- 2018 57 KG Alans champ, 2019 57 KG Yarygin runner-up, 2019 Alans runner-up, 2020 Russian nationals champion. Key Wins: #2 Ramazan Ferzaliev (RUS; 2020 Russian Nationals finals), #7 (57) Thomas Gilman (USA; 2019 Yarygin), Zelimkhan Abakarov (RUS; 2019 Alans), #8 Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (RUS; 2020 Soslan Azaev tournament, 2020 Russian nationals semifinals), #9 (57) Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez (CUB; 2020 DRL), #11 Akhmednabi Gvarzatilov (AZE; 2019 DRL). Key Losses: #1 (57) Zavur Uguev (RUS; 2017 Kunaev finals)#2 Ramazan Ferzaliev (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev, 2019 Alans finals match), #3 Alexander Bogomoev (RUS; 2020 Yarygin), #20 Muslim Sadulaev (RUS; 2018 57 KG Yarygin finals).
#5 Ulukbek Zholdoshbekov (KGZ)- 2019 Takhti Cup champ, 2019 U-23 world champion, 2020 Asian champion. Key Wins: #11 Akhmednabi Gvarzatilov (AZE; 2019 Takhti Cup), #10 Behnam Ehsanpour (IRI; 2019 Takhti Cup), Zelimkhan Abakarov (RUS; 2018 Kadyrov Cup), Nurislam Sanayev (KAZ; 2019 Kojomkula tournament finals). Key Losses: #15 (57) Makhir Amiraslanov (AZE; 2019 world championships), Yudai Fujita (JPN; 2019 Asian championships), Petr Konstantinov (RUS; 2019 57 KG Medved), Magomedrasul Idrisov (RUS; 2018 U-23 world’s), Nikolai Okhlopkov (ROU; 2018 U-23 world’s bronze medal match), Tuvshintulga Tumenbileg (MGL; 2018 world wrestling championships)
#11 Akhmednabi Gvarzatilov (AZE)- 2015 Kadyrov Cup runner-up, 2016 Baku GGP champ, 2016 world bronze medalist, 2018 Korkin champ, 2018 International Ukrainian tournament champion. Key Wins: #3 (65) Bajrang Punia (IND; 2016 world championships), #9 (57) Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez (CUB; 2016 Baku GGP finals, 2018 World cup, 2019 world championships), Tuvshintulga Tumenbileg (MGL; 2018 Korkin finals). Key Losses: #10 Behnam Ehsanpour (IRI; 2019 world championships quarterfinals), #4 Beka Lomtadze (GEO; 2019 Tbilisi GP finals, 2016 world’s semifinals), #1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS; 2019 DRL).
Russian nationals is one of the most difficult tournaments in the world and that’s why it is correctly compared to winning a world title with weights that have the same depth. For #1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) this holds true, as to win his first senior national title he had to defeat #2 Ramazan Ferzaliev (RUS) and #7 Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (RUS). Magomedov also had an extremely strong fall and winter 2019 that saw him dismantle top flight competition the likes of #9 (57) Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez (CUB) and #11 Akhmednabi Gvarzatilov (AZE) while competing in the DRL. Magomedov is the guy to beat here and I don’t see anyone doing that. `
Gvarzatilov made a major statement last year at world’s dismantling the 2018 world champion #9 (57) Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez (CUB) in the round of 16, but his struggles in the DRL have hurt his momentum coupled with Magomedov’s growth I struggle to see him taking home gold, but If he’s healthy I think he’s still a tier above the rest. #5 Ulukbek Zholdoshbekov (KGZ) should be the consensus #2 guy behind Magomedov, so I’d favor him to repeat his winning ways from last year where he beat Gvarzatilov and #10 Behnam Ehsanpour (IRI).
Dark Horses
#14 Georgi Vangelov (BUL)- 2016 57 KG European championships bronze medalist 2019 57 KG Dan Kolov bronze medalist, 2020 57 KG Yasar Dogu champion, 2019 European championships 5th, 2019 European Games 5th. Key Wins: #4 (57) Suleyman Atli (TUR; 2016 European Championships), #7 (57) Thomas Gilman (USA; 2019 Dan Kolov), #14 (57) Afghan Khasalov (AZE; 2020 57 KG Yasar Dogu). Key Losses: #2 Azamat Tuskaev (RUS; 2020 European championships), #13 (57) Horst Lehr (GER; 2020 European championships bronze medal match), Vladimir Khinchegashvili (2015 world championships).
13 Recep Topal (TUR)- 2x European championships bronze medalist (‘18&’19) 2020 Yasar Dogu bronze medalist, 2020 Ziolkowski runner-up. Key Wins: Magomedrasul Idrisov (RUS; 2019 Euros), #12 (65) Nyurgun Skraybin (BLR; 2018 Euros bronze medal match), Nikolai Okhlopkov (ROU; 2019 European championships bronze medal match). Key Losses: Hamza Alaca (TUR; 2020 Yasar Dogu), #10 Behnam Ehsanpour (IRI; 2019 world championships), Arsen Harutyunyan (ARM; 2019 Euros).
#15 Eduard Grigorev (POL)- 2018 Intercontinental Cup runner-up, 2019 Yarygin bronze medalist, 2019 Korkin bronze medalist. Key Wins: Zelimkhan Abakarov (2018 Intercontinental Cup), #12 (57) Joe Colon (USA; 2019 Yarygin), Yulian Gergenov (RUS; 2017 Korkin). Key Losses: Nikolai Okhlopkov (ROU; 2019 Yarygin), #1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS; 2018 Intercontinental Cup finals), #3 (65) Bajrang Punia (IND; 2019 Dan Kolov), #12 (65) Nyurgun Skryabin (BLR; 2019 Dan Kolov).
Vangelov is a high output offensive wrestler who I can see maybe doing well against Topal just off of his volume of shots that would allow him to eventually catch Topal on his counters but than that relies more on the incompetence of Topal than Vangelov’s own merit so I side with the more patient and counter oriented Grigorev to be the one of the pair who has more success. #13 Recep Topal (TUR) has been one of the guys I was really impressed with at the end of this quad based off his performances at the European championships where he beat 2019 world runner-up Magomedrasul Idrisov (RUS) and Yarygin runner-up Nikolai Okhlopkov (ROU) and I believe his style can present problems for Gvarzatilov if he isn’t too physically outmatched and he should hold steady over the rest of the field.
65 KG
Title Contenders
#1 Gadzimurad Rashidov (RUS)- 2x world runner-up (‘’17&’18), 2019 world champion, 2x European champion (‘16&’18). Key Wins: #2 Takuto Otoguro (JPN; 2019 world championships), #4 Haji Aliyev (AZE; 2019 world championships), #5 Naachyin Kuular (RUS; 2019 Russian nationals finals), #6 Akhmed Chakaev (RUS; 2017 Russian Nationals, 2020 Russian Nationals finals), #9 Ismail Musukaev (HUN; 2019 world championships). Key Losses: #9 (57) Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez (CUB; 2018 61 KG world finals), #4 Haji Aliyev (AZE; 2017 61 KG world finals), #6 Akhmed Chakaev (RUS; 2017 Yarygin finals, 2019 Yarygin semifinals)
#4 Haji Aliyev (AZE)- 3x 61 KG world champion (‘14,’15,’17), 2016 57 KG Olympic bronze medalist, 4x European championships/Games champion (‘14,’18,’19,’19). Key Wins: #1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS; 2017 61 KG world finals), #5 Naachyin Kuular (RUS; 2019 European championships, 2019 Alrosa Cup), #4 (70) Ilyas Bekbulatov (UZB; 2018 European championships finals). Key Losses: #10 Alejandro Valdes Tobier (CUB; 2018 world cup, 2018 world championships), #1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS; 2019 world championships), #2 Takuto Otoguro (JPN; 2019 world championships), #3 (70) Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL; 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament finals), #16 Dasha Sharastepanov (RUS; 2019 Korkin).
#9 Ismail Musukaev (HUN)- 2015 57 KG Russian nationals runner-up, 2018 61 KG Russian nationals runner-up, 2019 world bronze medalist. Key Wins: #2 Takuto Otoguro (JPN; 2019 world bronze medal match), #5 (70) Kurban Shiraev (RUS; 2018 Intercontinental Cup), Vladimir Khinchegashvili (GEO; 2019 world championships), #11 (57) Bekhbayar Erdenebat (MGL; 2015 Baku GGP finals) #15 Makhir Amiraslanov (AZE; 2015 Baku GGP), Dzhamal Otarsultanov (RUS; 2015 Baku GGP). Key Losses: Viktor Lebedev (RUS; 2015 57 KG Russian nationals finals, 2016 Russian nationals), Magomedrasul Idrisov (RUS; 2018 61 KG Russian nationals finals), Yianni Diakomihalis (USA; 2019 Yasar Dogu), #1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS; 2019 world championships semifinals).
#1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS) and #4 Haji Aliev (AZE) are the guys to beat here, and even with how good Musukaev looked last year, I just don’t see him beating Rashidov or having a style that fares well against Aliev. Haji’s high attack rate and front head lock will win the day for him against Musukaev and he has the scrambling ability to come out on top during Musukaev’s big flurries so I feel as comfortable in my pick as you can when dealing with Russo-Hungarian dynamite. #4 Haji Aliev (AZE), outside of #6 Akhmed Chakaev (RUS), has been one of the few guys to really push #1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS), and while I think Rashidov still is the guy it is by a pretty tight margin against Haji and Haji is the only person I feel confident here that could beat him.
Medal Contenders
#12 Nyrugun Skryabin (BLR)- 2016 61 KG Yarygin champion, 2020 European runner-up, 2019 Dan Kolov bronze medalist. Key Wins: #6 Akhmed Chakaev (RUS; 2016 Yarygin), #9 Ismail Musukaev (HUN; 2020 European Championships), #17 Ali Rahimzade (AZE; 2020 European Championships). Key Losses: #5 (70) Kurban Shiraev (RUS; 2020 European championships finals), #10 Alejandro Valdes Tobier (CUB; 2018 world championships), Tulga Tumur Ochir (MGL; 2019 world championships round of 32)
Haji Ali (BRN)- 3x Intercontinental Cup bronze medalist (‘14,’15,’16), 2019 Yasar Dogu runner-up, 2017 Ali Aliev bronze medalist. Key Wins: #10 Alejandro Valdes Tobier (CUB; 2019 world championships), Magomedrasul Idrisov (RUS; 2017 Ali Aliev), Shamil Omarov (2016 Intercontinental Cup). Key Losses: #1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS; 2019 world championships), #2 Takuto Otoguro (JPN; 2019 world championships, 2020 Asian championships), #1 (74) Razambek Zhamalov (RUS; 2016 Intercontinental Cup)
Nikolai Okhlopkov (ROU)- 2017 Korkin champ, 2018 U-23 world bronze medalist, 2019 Yarygin runner-up, 2019 International Ukrainian Tournament champ 2020 European championships bronze medalist. Key Wins: #5 (61) Ulukbek Zholdoshbekov (KGZ; 2018 U-23 world bronze medal match), #17 (57) Aryan Tyutrin (RUS; 2017 Korkin), Andrey Bekrenev (2019 International Ukrainian tournament finals), #15 (61) Eduard Grigorev (POL; 2019 Yarygin semifinals). Key Losses: Arsen Harutyunyan (ARM; 2019 European Championships), #13 (61) Recep Topal (TUR; 2019 European championships bronze medal match), Magomedrasul Idrisov (RUS; 2018 U-23 world championships, 2019 Yargin finals)
Gor Oganseyan (UKR)- 2019 Ziolkowski runner-up, 2017 European championships 5th, 2017 International Ukrainin tournament runner-up. Key Wins: #18 Daulet Niyazbekov (KAZ; 2019 Ziolkowski), Andrey Kviatkovski (UKR; 2017 International Ukrainian Tournament), Magomed Muslimov (AZE; 2017 International Ukrainian Tournament). Key Losses: Yianni Diakomihalis (USA; 2019 Ziolkowski finals), Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM; 2019 world championships), George Bucur (ROU; 2017 International Ukrainian Tournament finals), David Habat (SLO; 2017 European Championships bronze medal match).
Out of this tier, I’d side with Skryabin based off his wins over Musukaev and Rahimzade at the European championships. Haji Ali (BRN) is also a strong pick as well based off his showing last year and Okhlopkov should fare well. Gor Oganesyan, should he put together a full match is one of the premier guys to see here as he could finally break through and make a run at the world level after he impressed last year beating world runner-up #18 Daulet Niyabzekov (KAZ) at the Ziolkowski.
Dark Horses:
Ernazar Akhmataliev (KGZ)- 2018 Junior asian championships runner-up, 2019 Takhti Cup champ, 2019 U-23 world championships 5th. Key Wins: Jaydin Eierman (USA; 2019 U-23 world championships), Ruslan Zhendaev (RUS; 2019 U-23 world championships), Giorgi Revazisihvili (GEO; 2019 Takhti Cup finals). Key Losses: Takuma Taniyama (JPN; 2018 Junior Asian championships finals, 2019 U-23 world championships semifinals), Ivan Nykyforuk (UKR; 2019 U-23 world bronze medal match), Tsogbadrakh Tseveensuren (MGL; 2017 60 KG Junior world championships round of 16).
Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM)- 2019 Intercontinental Cup bronze medalist, 2018 61 KG Junior world bronze medalist, 2019 U-23 European Champion. Key Wins: Gor Oganesyan (UKR; 2019 world championships), Ilman Mukhtarov (FRA; 2019 U-23 European Championships), Maxim Sacultan (MDA; 2019 U-23 European championships). Key Losses: #2 Takuto Otoguro (JPN; 2019 world championships), #1 (61) Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS; 2018 61 KG Junior world championships), Selim Kozan (TUR; 2019 U-23 world championships qualification round)
I’d go with Ernazar Akhmataliev (KGZ) to break through based off how he looked at U-23 world’s. Tevanyan has a strong win over medal contender Gor Oganesyan (UKR) but I am not sold on him after how he looked at U-23 world’s and losing to Selim Kozan (TUR). I really, really want to see a match up between dark horse Ernazar Akhmataliev (KGZ) and medal contender Gor Oganesyan (UKR), it would be guaranteed fireworks.
70 KG
Title Contenders
#1 Cherman Valiev (RUS)- 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2019 Ali Aliev bronze medalist, 2020 Russian nationals champion. Key Wins: #2 David Baev (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev, 2020 Russian nationals), #1 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR; 2019 Russian Nationals), #13 (74) Israil Kasumov (RUS; 2019 Alans). Key Losses: #1 (74) Razambek Zhamalov (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev, 2019 Russian Nationals), #13 (74) Israil Kasumov (RUS; 2020 Yarygin), #11 Mirza Skhulukhia (GEO; 2019 U-23 World finals).
#3 Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL): 2017 65 KG world silver medalist, 2019 world bronze medalist, 2020 European champion. Key Wins: Adam Batirov (BRN; 2019 world championships), #10 (65) Alejandro Valdes Tobier (CUB; 2017 world championships), #4 (65) Haji Aliyev (AZE; 2018 International Ukrainian tournament finals), #7 Heydar Yavuz (TUR; 2018 European championships, 2020 European Championships), #13 (74) Israil Kasumov (RUS; 2017 European championships). Key Losses: #6 (74) Frank Chamizo (ITA; 2015 65 KG world championships), #16 (74) Togrul Asgarov (AZE; 2015 65 KG world championships), Frank Molinaro (USA; 2016 Olympics), #12 Zurab Iakobishvili (GEO; 2017 65 KG world finals), Tulga Tumur Ochir (MGL; 2018 world championships), #2 David Baev (RUS; 2019 world championships).
#7 Heydar Yavuz (TUR)- 2020 European Championships bronze medalist, 2019 Yasar Dogu runner-up, 2019 Yasar Dogu bronze medalist, 2019 Ziolkowski champion, 2018 Dan Kolov runner-up. Key Wins: #9 Agaguseynov Mustafaev (AZE; 2020 Yasar Dogu), #13 (74) Israil Kasumov (RUS; 2020 European championships), #20 (74) Nurkhoza Kaipanov (KAZ; 2019 Ziolkowski finals). Key Losses: #2 Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL; 2018 European championships, 2020 European championships), #4 Ilyas Bekbulatov (UZB; 2018 Dan Kolov finals, 2020 Yasar Dogu finals), Azamat Nurikov (BLR; 2018 European championships repechage), #9 Agaguseynov Mustafaev (AZE; 2019 world championships).
#1 Cherman Valiev (RUS) is my pick to win gold and I don’t see him allowing for #3 Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL) to take an early lead and make it a controlled low scoring match and use his defensive prowess as he’s done in the past. It’s just Gadzhiev doesn’t have the offense to match Valiev’s initial sprint and Valiev is as good if not the best in the world at holding center and controlling matches after getting his score, so I don’t see any path of success for Gadzhiev there. Yavuz has been progressively closing the gap against Gadzhiev and if he can put it together here I think he’s the best threat in the field to Valiev. As much as it sounds like I’m ragging on #2 Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL), I’m not, he’s incredibly solid competitor with a great track record and wins against elites across three weight classes, there’s just clear strategies and game plans he has to follow based off his style and I just don’t see that style working well for him with Cherman Valiev or if Yavuz has made adjustments.
Medal Contenders
#15 Gitinomagomed Gadzhiev (AZE)- 2016 Grand Prix of Germany champion, 2016 Baku GGP runner-up, 2019 Ali Aliev runner-up. Key Wins: #4 Ilyas Bekbulatov (UZB; 2016 Baku GGP), #8 Ramazan Ramazanov (BUL; 2019 Ali Aliev), #17 Anzor Zakuev (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev). Key Losses: James Green (USA; 2016 world championships), #1 (74) Razambek Zhamalov (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev finals), #4 Ilyas Bekbulatov (UZB; 2017 European championships), #12 Zurab Iakobishvili (GEO; 2017 European championships), #9 Agaguseynov Mustafaev (AZE; 2018 Intercontinental Cup).
George Bucur (ROU)- 2017 International Ukrainian tournament champion, 2017 world military championships runner-up, 2018 world 5th place finisher. Key Wins: Gor Oganesyan (UKR; 2017 International Ukrainian tournament finals), #15 Gitinomagomed Gadzhiev (AZE; 2017 International Ukrainian Tournament), Vasyl Shuptar (UKR; 2018 world championships), Andrei Perpelita (MDA; 2018 world championships). Key Losses: #2 (65) Takuto Otoguro (JPN; 2018 world championships), #6 (65) Akhmed Chakaev (RUS; 2018 world championships bronze medal match), #5 (65) Naachyin Kuular (RUS; 2017 World Military Championships)
Gadzhiev is the more consistent between him and Bucur and I expect this to show itself in the form of a world medal. Gadzhiev, unlike Bucur, has notched top 20 wins in the past year and has a more consistent offense that will serve him well in this field.
74 KG
Title Contenders
#1 Razambek Zhamalov (RUS)- 2018 70 KG Junior world champion, 2018 70 KG Russian Nationals 5th, 2018 Alans bronze medalist, 2019 70 KG Ali Aliev champion, 2019 Yarygin bronze medalist, 2019 70 KG Russian Nationals runner-up, 2019 U-23 world champion, 2020 Yarygin runner-up, 2020 Russian Nationals champion. Key Wins: #2 Khetik Tsabolov (RUS; 2020 Russian Nationals finals), #2 (70) David Baev (RUS; 2019 Yarygin bronze medal match), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (RUS; 2020 Yarygin semis), #8 Timur Bizhoev (RUS; 2019 Yuri Gusov tournament, 2020 Yarygin, 2020 Russian nationals semifinals), #1 (70) Cherman Valiev (RUS; 2019 Russian Nationals), #1 (79) Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (RUS; 2019 Russian Nationals), #8 (70) Ramazan Ramazanov (RUS; 2018 Russian Nationals) .Key Losses: #2 (70) David Baev (RUS; 2018 Russian nationals bronze medal match, 2019 Russian Nationals ), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS; 2018 Russian Nationals semifinals, 2019 Yarygin, 2020 Yarygin), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (RUS; 2018 70 KG Alans), #12 Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev (AZE; 2018 70 KG Junior world championships).
#6 Frank Chamizo (ITA)- 2010 55 KG world bronze, 2015 65 KG world champ, 2016 KG Olympic bronze, 2017 70 KG world champ, 2018 world 5th, 2019 world runner-up, 2015 European Games runner-up, 2016 European champion, 2017 European champion, 2017 Ali Aliev champ, 2019 European champion, 2019 Dan Kolov bronze, 2020 European champion. Key Wins: #2 Khetik Tsabolov (RUS; 2018 European Championships, 2019 Sassari), #5 Jordan Burroughs (USA; 2018 Yasar Dogu), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS; 2017 Ali Aliev finals), #7 Timur Bizhoev(RUS; 2019 European Championships). Key Losses: #3 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS; 2017 70 KG Alans, 2018 world championships semis, 2019 world finals), #5 Jordan Burroughs (USA; 2018 Beat The Streets, 2018 World bronze medal match, 2019 Dan Kolov), #14 Nikita Suchkov (RUS; 2018 Korkin finals), #19 Soner Demirtas (2018 European championships).
Zhamalov came out on top of the lion’s den that is Russia at 74 kilogram and in the process earned himself the #1 spot at 74 and a top 5 spot in the pound for pound. With the insane momentum he’s coming off and the performances he’s put up against #2 Khetik Tsabolov (RUS), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (RUS), and #8 Timur Bizhoev (RUS) in the past year, I believe he’s ready to take out #6 Frank Chamizo (ITA).
Medal Contenders:
#11 Alipasha Umarpashaev (BUL)- 2020 Yasar Dogu champion, 2018 Medved bronze medalist, 2017 Medved bronze, 2018 Takhti Cup champion. Key Wins: #12 Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev (AZE; 2020 Yasar Dogu), Yakup Gor (TUR; 2020 Yasar Dogu), #16 Togrul Asgarov (AZE; 2020 Yasar Dogu), Nurlan Bekzhanov (KAZ; 2018 Takhti Cup Finals). Key Losses: #5 Jordan Burroughs (USA; 2019 Dan Kolov), #6 Frank Chamizo (ITA; 2019 Dan Kolov), Ikhtiyor Navruzov (UZB; 2019 70 KG world championships)
#12 Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev (AZE)- 2018 70 KG Junior world champion, 2019 Takhti Cup champ, 2019 European Games bronze medalist, 2019 Junior world bronze medalist, 2020 Yasar Dogu bronze medalist. Key Wins: #1 Razambek Zhamalov (RUS; 2018 70 KG Junior world finals), #19 Soner Demirtas (TUR; 2019 world championships), Sushil Kumar (IND; 2019 world championships), Bekzod Abdurakhmanov (UZB; 2019 world championships). Key Losses: #5 Jordan Burroughs (USA; 2019 world championships quarterfinals), #19 Soner Demirtas (TUR; 2019 European Games), James Green (USA; 2018 70 KG world championships).
Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK)- 2018 Ali Aliev bronze medalist, 2018 Tbilisi GP bronze medalist, 2018 70 KG U-23 world champion, 2019 Yasar Dogu bronze, 2019 79 KG world bronze medalist. Key Wins: #2 (70) David Baev (RUS; 2018 70 KG U-23 World Finals), #17 Giorgi Sulava (GEO; 2018 Tbilisi GP), Yakup Gor (TUR; 2019 Yasar Dogu), Galymzhan Usserbaev (KAZ; 2019 79 KG world bronze medal match). Key Losses: #2 (79) Jabrayil Hasanov (AZE; 2019 79 KG world championships), #12 (70) Zurab Iakobishvili (GEO; 2018 International Ukrainian tournament, 2018 European championships, 2018 world championships), #5 Jordan Burroughs (USA; 2019 Yasar Dogu).
Fazil Eryilmaz (TUR)- 2019 U-23 world championships 5th, 2019 turkish national champion, 2020 Matteo Pellicone tournament bronze, 2020 Ziolkowski champ. Key Wins: Enes Uslu (TUR; 2019 Yasar Dogu), Azamat Nurikov (BLR; 2020 Matteo Pellicone bronze medal match), #19 Soner Demirtas (TUR; 2019 Turkish nationals). Key Losses: #1 Razambek Zhamalov (RUS; 2019 U-23 world championships), #4 Kyle Dake (USA; 2020 Matteo Pellicone tournament), #6 Frank Chamizo (ITA; 2019 Yasar Dogu), #17 Giorgi Sulava (GEO; 2019 U-23 worlds bronze medal match).
Umarpashaev had a really strong showing at the Yasar Dogu beating Gadzhiev, Asgarov, and Gor but I really don’t see him replicating that success here. Really I’m looking more at Taimuraz Salkazanov #12 Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev. Now, I am high on #12 Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev (AZE) but as he has recently recovered from COVID, I have reservations on if his conditioning will be up to par but if he is firing at all cylinders I see him and Salkazanov breaking through out of this field. Keep an eye on Eryilmaz as a guy who could sneak through off of keeping matches close with his handfighting and defense. He matches up with Salkazanov well if Salkazanov doesn’t take early initiative but I favor Salkazanov there more because Eryilmaz isn’t a big extended scramble threat or counter threat which benefits Salkazanov’s pressuring style.
Dark Horses
Azamat Nurikov (BLR)- 2014 65 KG world 5th, 2015 70 KG world 5th, 2017 65 KG world 5th, 2019 Yarygin bronze medalist, 2016 European championships bronze medalist. Key Wins: #3 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS; 2016 European championships), #7 (70) Heydar Yavuz (TUR; 2018 European Championships), #2 (70) Magomedmurad Gadziev (POL; 2017 Kadyrov Cup, 2019 European Games), #7 Timur Bizhoev (RUS; 2019 Yarygin bronze medal match). Key Losses: #10 Avtandil Kentchadze (GEO; 2019 European Games bronze medal match), #5 Jordan Burroughs (USA; 2019 World championships), Yakup Gor (TUR; 2015 70 KG world championships), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS; 2015 70 KG world championships), #8 (65) Soslan Ramonov (RUS; 2014 world championships), #2 (70) Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL; 2017 world championships, 2018 European championships), Mandakhnaran Ganzorig (MGL; 2014 world bronze medal match), #3 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS; 2019 Yarygin, 2019 European Games), #4 Kyle Dake (USA; 2020 Matteo Pellicone tournament), #18 Fazli Eryilmaz (TUR; 2020 Matteo Pellicone bronze medal match), #10 (65) Alejandro Valdes Tobier (CUB; 2017 65 KG world bronze medal match)
Murad Kuramagomedov (HUN)- 2017 Intercontinental Cup champ, 2017 Medved champ, 2018 Intercontinental Cup runner-up, 2018 Kunaev runner-up, 2019 U-23 world 5th, 2020 European championships 5th. Key Wins: #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS; 2017 Intercontinental Cup finals), Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (RUS; 2017 70 KG Medved finals), #3 (79) Akhmed Usmanov (RUS; 2018 Intercontinental Cup). Key Losses: Yakup Shikhadzhamalov (RUS; 2018 Intercontinental Cup), #13 Israil Kasumov (RUS; 2017 70 KG Russian Nationals), Alibek Akbaev (RUS; 2018 Russian nationals), #5 Jordan Burroughs (USA; 2019 world championships), Ruslan Bogatyrev (RUS; 2018 Alans), Mohammad Nokhodilarimi (IRI, 2019 U-23 world championships), Byambadorj Bat-Erdene (2019 U-23 world bronze medal match)
Narsingh Panchav Yadav (IND)- 2013 world 5th, 2015 world bronze medalist, 2015 Asian championships bronze. Key Wins: #2 (79) Jabrayil Hasanov (AZE; 2013 world championships), Zelimkhan Khadjiev (FRA; 2015 world bronze medal match), #19 Soner Demritas (TUR; 2015 world championships). Key Losses: Purevjav Unurbat (2015 world championships semifinals), #5 Jordan Burroughs (USA; 2013 world championships), #17 (86) Ali Shabanov (BLR; 2013 world bronze medal match).
Yadav returned from a controversial four year ban for performance enhancing drugs and hasn’t seen serious action since his 2015 world medal run so he’s about as much of a wild card as you can get in the field, I’m not super high on him here but he’s beaten #2 Jabrayil Hasanov (AZE) and #19 Soner Demirtas (TUR) before so he’s shown that if he is up to par then he can get good results. Nurikov is the most skilled guy out of the group with the best wins but also the most inconsistent and Kuramagomedov is the most physically talented but his style is all over the place and janky but of the three in this group I’d favor him to make a run.