2020 Russian Nationals Preview: 86 KG

2020 86 KG Nats.jpeg

Names to Know:

  • #3 Artur Naifonov: 2017 junior world champ, 2017 Alans champ, 2018 Euro champ, 2018 Yarygin bronze, 2018 national runner-up, 2019 national champ, 2019 world bronze

  • #2 (79) Magomed Ramazanov: 2018 79 KG Tbilisi GP champ, 2019 Russian nationals bronze, 2019 79 KG Yarygin runner-up, 2020 Yarygin champ, 2020 79 KG European runner-up

  • #5 Dauren Kurugliev: 2017 yasar Dogu champ, 2017 Yarygin champ, 2019 Yarygin champ, 2018 world 5th

  • #3 (79) Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov: 2018 79 KG world bronze, 4x Yarygin champ (‘15,’17,’18,’19), 2020 Yarygin runner-up, 2018 European champ

  • #11 (79) Radik Valiev: 2016 70 KG national runner-up, 2x U-23 European champ (‘18&’19), 2018 President Cup of Buryatia champ, 2020 Yarygin 5th

  • #11 Arsenali Musalaliev: 2017 Russian nationals bronze, 2x U-23 European champ (‘18&’19), 2019 Russian nationals bronze, 2020 Yarygin bronze

  • #15 Soslan Ktsoev: 2010 world bronze medalist, 2015 Russian nationals bronze, 2019 Alans champ

  • Zaur Makiev: 2016 74 KG Yarygin champ, 2014 74 KG Russian nationals bronze, 2019 Sargsyan champ

  • #18 (92) Alan Bagaev: 2018 Ugra Cup runner-up, 2019 92 KG junior world champ, 2020 92 KG junior national champ, 

  • Magomedsharif Biikaev: 2019 Intercontinental Cup 5th, 2020 Yarygin bronze, 

  • Slavik Naniev: 2015 69 KG cadet world champ, 2018 Sargsyan runner-up, 2018 Intercontinental Cup runner-up, 2018 Alans bronze, 2019 Junior European championships bronze

  • Aleksey Sabidaev: 2014 Miner’s fame tournament champ, 2016 President Cup of Buryatia champ, 2018 President Cup of Buryatia bronze


The Bracket Breakdown

The largest bracket of Russian nationals bolstered by an influx of elite 79 KG talent, 86 KG is one of the most intriguing weights of the whole tournament. On the top half of the bracket, reigning national champ and returning world bronze medalist #3 Artur Naifonov takes on his first test in Yarygin bronze medalist Magomedsharif Biyakaev in the quarters but should prevail to make the semis. The top half had a monster addition in the form of 2018 79  KG world bronze medalist #2 (79) Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov to the bracket. 

He draws two of the most physical guys in the weight with #15 Soslan Ktsoev right out the gate and if he is victorious, a quarterfinal match against #10 Arsenali Musalaliev awaits. That Ktsoev match is going to be what makes or breaks Gadzhimagomedov’s tournament for me as it will show if he brought up the level of physicality and strength needed to beat the best 86 KG has to offer because he has the skill and athleticism and was renowned for his strength at 74 and 79. As it stands, I am banking on Gadzhimagomedov to have a successful transition open through to the quarters beating Ktsoev and . Musalaliev has a very high chance of upsetting Gadzhimagomedov based on his speed and ability to get to his ankle pick and outside step high C and just to be very honest he can stall like nobody’s business. I pick Musalaliev for the upset in the quarters and to lose to Naifonov in the semis.

The bottom half of the bracket is defined by two men with two very capable age group talents that could challenge them from meeting in the semis. 2018 national champ #5 Dauren Kurugliev finished runner up this year at the Yarygin to old foe #3 Artur Naifonov and his path to revenge is clear until the quarters, were 92 KG junior world champ #18 (92) Alan Bagaev could give him some trouble. 

Within the last two years, Magomed Ramazanov has established himself as one of the premier competitors at 79 and 86 KG defeating prestigious domestic and international competition and at 86 he turned heads at the end of the year at the Alrosa Cup, defeating #6 Vladislav Valiev and #17 Ahmed Bazrigaleh along with his win in the bronze medal of nationals over #15 Soslan Ktsoev he has shown himself to be the real deal. Ramazanov’s run to the 79 KG Yarygin title this year is also one to note as he defeated, #2 (79) Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov, #6 (79) Khalil Aminov, #7 (79) Kakhaber Khubezhty and #8 (79) Atsamaz Sanakoev to take home gold.  Ramazanov’s biggest test prior to Kurugliev is going to be 2x 79 KG U-23 European champ #11 (79) Radik Valiev which is a match I see him coming through, but Valiev if he has filled out completely to 86 KG and taken his speed and explosive double with him could spell major issues for a savvy but undersized Ramazanov early in the tournament. But operating under the presumption (which is what all predictions are when you get down to it) that Ramazanov does make the semis, I take Kurugliev over him. In the finals I have Naifonov beating Kurugliev. 

Seth Petarra