2021 Russian National's Men's Freestyle Day 2 Preview
Top five pound for pound talent #1 (74) Razambek Zhamalov takes the mat looking to repeat his national title from last year in a stacked 74 KG field with returning world champion #3 (74) Zaurbek Sidakov and #9 (74) Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov. Will Israil Kasumov finally win his first national title after having been runner-up three times before, or will #3 Cherman Valiev prove to be too much for him at 70 KG? Will the Iron Chin #7 Batras Gazzaev win the heavyweight crown or will it be a return to form for two time national champion #6 Anzor Khizriev or will veteran 97 KG hammer Vladislav Baitsaev be the man to take gold at 125 KG? All that and more for day two of Russian nationals.
70 KG
Israil Kasumov- 3x Russian Nationals runner-up (‘14,’15, ‘16 at 65 KG), 2016 Baku GGP champ, 2017 European championships bronze medalist, 2017 Yarygin champion, 2020 Yarygin champion, 2019 Ugra Cup champion, 2017 Kunaev champion, 2018 Korkin bronze medalist Key Wins: #9 (74) Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2014 Yarygin, 2017 Kunaev), #1 David Baev (2017 Kadyrov Cup, 2020 Yarygin finals), #3 (74) Zaurbek Sidakov (2017 Yarygin finals), #3 Cherman Valiev (2020 Yarygin), #2 Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (2017 70 KG European Championships), #1 (79) Akhmed Usmanov (2018 74 KG Korkin) Key Losses: #2 (74) Khetik Tsabolov (2014 Russian nationals finals, 2018 74 KG Russian Nationals), #9 (74) Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2015 Russian Nationals finals, 2018 Yarygin), Andrey Kvitakotvski (2018 Yarygin bronze medal match), Rasul Dzhukaev (2017 Russian Nationals), Khabib Magomedov (2018 74 KG Russian Nationals), #3 Cherman Valiev (2019 Alans), #2 Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (2017 European Championships), #5 Heydar Yavuz (2020 European Championships), #5 (74) Frank Chamizo (2018 Korkin)
Evgeni Zherbaev- 2x Russian nationals bronze medalist (‘15,’19), 2019 Kunaev champion, 2018 Korkin champion, 2020 Yarygin bronze, 2019 Alans bronze, 2019 Korkin champion, 2019 President Cup of Buryatia champion, 2016 Korkin champion, 2017 Shamil Nusuev tournament runner-up. Key Wins: #1 (65) David Baev (2017 Shamil Nusuev tournament), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2017 Shamil Nusuev tournament), Soslan Ramonov (2018 Korkin), #2 (74) Khetik Tsabolov (2015 Russian Nationals), #11 (74) Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (2015 Russian Nationals), Israil Kasumov (2016 Korkin, 2019 Russian nationals bronze medal match), #3 Cherman Valiev (2019 President Cup of Buryatia) Key Losses: #3 (74) Zaurbek Sidakov (2016 Russian Nationals, 2017 Russian Nationals), #1 (65) David Baev (2019 Russian Nationals, 2020 Yarygin), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2015 Russian nationals), #7 Ramazan Ramazanov (2019 Alans), Soslan Ramonov (2018 Russian Nationals)
#3 Cherman Valiev- 2017 65 KG Yarygin runner-up, 2018 Junior Nationals runner-up, 2018 Junior European champion, 2018 Ugra Cup champion, 2019 President Cup of Buryatia bronze, 2019 Ali Aliev runner-up, 2019 Russian Nationals bronze, 2019 U-23 world runner-up, 2019 Alans champion, 2020 Yarygin bronze, 2020 Russian Nationals champion. Key Wins: #1 (65) David Baev (2019 Ali Aliev, 2020 Russian nationals finals), #11 (74) Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (2019 Russian Nationals), Israil Kasumov (2019 Alans), #7 Ramazan Ramazanov (2019 Alans finals), #9 Alan Gogaev (2018 Ugra Cup finals), #18 Anzor Zakuev (2020 Yarygin). Key Losses: Evgeni Zherbaev (2019 President Cup of Buryatia), #1 (74) Razambek Zhamalov (2018 Russian Junior Nationals finals, 2019 Mindiashvili tournament, 2019 Ali Aliev semis, 2019 Russian Nationals), #14 Mirza Skhulukhia (2019 U-23 world finals), Israil Kasumov (2020 Yarygin), James Green (2018 Alans)
#6 Aznaur Tavaev- 2018 65 KG Junior European champion, 2019 65 KG Ali Aliev champion, 2019 Sargsyan Cup champion, 2019 Intercontinental Cup champion, 2019 Kunaev champ, 2019 Ugra Cup bronze, 2021 Oleg Dukanov 74 KG bronze. Key Wins: Evgeni Zherbaev (2019 Kunaev finals), #12 (65) Islam Dudaev (2019 Sargsyan), #13 Artur Badtiev (2019 Sargsyan), Frank Molinaro (2019 Intercontinental Cup finals), Darsam Dzhaparov (2021 Oleg Dukanov memorial). Key Losses: #12 (74) Nikita Suchkov (2021 Oleg Dukanov memorial), Arpak Sat (2020 Yarygin), #9 Alan Gogaev (2019 Ugra Cup), Viktor Rassadin (2019 65 KG Ali Aliev).
#18 Anzor Zakuev- 2017 65 KG Junior national runner-up, 2019 Dan Kolov runner-up, 2018 Ugra Cup bronze, 2018 Intercontinental Cup bronze, 2019 Ali Aliev bronze, 2019 Sargsyan champ. Key Wins: #3 Cherman Valiev (2017 65 KG Russian Nationals semis), #18 (65) James Green (2019 Dan Kolov), #7 Ramazan Ramazanov (2019 Ali Aliev bronze medal match), Rustam Gaimasov (2018 Ugra Cup bronze medal match), Magomedrasul Idrisov (2020 Russian Nationals). Key Losses: #1 Ilyas Bekbulatov (2019 Dan Kolov), Murad Nukhadiev (2020 Russian Nationals), #9 Alan Gogaev (2018 Ugra Cup, 2016 Russian Nationals), Soslan Ramonov (2016 Russian Nationals), #3 Cherman Valiev (2020 Yarygin), #1 (65) David Baev (2017 65 KG Junior Russian nationals finals)
Viktor Rassadin- 2017 61 KG National runner-up, 2017 61 KG Yarygin bronze, 2017 Ugra Cup champion, 2019 65 KG Korkin champion, 2019 65 KG Ali Aliev runner-up, 2019 Dan kolov bronze, 2020 Yasar Dogu bronze. Key Wins: #7 (65) Naachyn Kuular (2018 65 KG Ugra Cup finals, 2017 Yarygin), #12 (65) Islam Dudaev (2017 Russian Nationals), Frank Molinaro (2019 Dan Kolov), Nyurgun Skryabin (2019 Korkin), Cenghizan Erdogan (2019 Korkin), #6 Aznaur Tavaev (2019 65 KG Ali Aliev) Key Losses: Imam Adzhiev (2020 Russian Nationals), #12 (65) Islam Dudaev (2019 65 KG Russian Nationals) #1 Ilyas Bekbulatov (2019 Dan Kolov, 2020 Yasar Dogu), #4 (65) Gadzhimurad Rashidov (2017 61 KG Russian Nationals finals), #7 (65) Naachyn Kuular (2018 Russian Nationals).
Rasul Arsanaliev- 2x U-23 European champion (‘15,’16), 2019 Kadyrov Cup champion, 2019 Stepan Sargsyan bronze medalist, 2017 Alans bronze medalist, 2018 Tbilisi GP bronze Key Wins: Soslan Ramonov (2019 Kadyrov Cup finals), Gadzhimurad Omarov (2015&2016 U-23 European Champonships finals), #10 (74) Avtandil Kentchadze (2018 Tbilisi GP). Key Losses: #10 (79) Bekzod Abdurakhmanov (2018 Tbilisi GP), Ruslan Bogatyrev (2019 Alans), #7 (74) Magomed Kurbanaliev (2017 Alans)
Arpak Sat- 2018 Russian nationals runner-up, 2019 Korkin runner-up, 2020 Yarygin 5th, 2020 Russian Nationals 5th Key Wins: #6 Aznaur Tavaev (2020 Yarygin), #7 (74) Magomed Kurbanaliev (2018 Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Imam Adzhiev (2020 Russian Nationals). Key Losses: #1 (65) David Baev (2020 Russian nationals, 2020 Yarygin), #9 (74) Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2018 Russian Nationals finals), Evgeni Zherbaev (2019 Korkin finals, 2020 Yarygin bronze medal match),
Bracket Breakdown
On the top half, expect to see three time national finalist Israil Kasumov get pushed in his first round match against #18 Anzor Zakuev but come out on top and beat out returning bronze medalist Ruslan Zhendaev in the semis to make the finals. The bottom side is where things get a lot more interesting as Evgeni Zherbaev, #3 Cherman Valiev, #6 Aznaur Tavaev, Viktor Rassadin, and Arpak Sat are all there. So I am going with Tavaev to repeat his upset win over Zherbaev at the 2019 Korkin in his round of 32 match after getting by a very game Yuri Arakelyan and beating 2020 Yasar Dogu bronze medalist Viktor Rassadin in the quarters to make the semis opposite #3 Cherman Valiev who I have making him pay for Tavaev’s counter heavy style to make the finals. On Valiev’s side of the bracket. In the finals, I take #3 Cherman Valiev to beat Israil Kasumov to take the series lead 2-1
Predictions
GOLD: #3 Cherman Valiev over Israil Kasumov
BRONZE: #18 Anzor Zakuev over Ruslan Zhendaev
BRONZE: #6 Aznaur Tavaev over Khamzat Eldarov
74 KG
#1 Razambek Zhamalov- 2020 Individual World Cup champion, 2019 U-23 world champion, 2019 70 KG Russian nationals runner-up, 2019 70 KG Yarygin bronze medalist, 2020 Yarygin runner-up, 2018 70 KG Alans bronze medalist, 2018 70 KG Intercontinental Cup champion, 2016 61 KG Intercontinental Cup champion, 2020 Russian nationals champion, 2018 70 KG Junior world runner-up, 2019 70 KG Ali Aliev champion. Key Wins: #1 (65) David Baev (2019 Yarygin bronze medal match), #3 (70) Cherman Valiev (2019 Ali Aliev), #2 Khetik Tsabolov (2020 Russian Nationals finals), #12 Nikita Suchkov (2019 Yuri Gusov tournament, 2020 Russian Nationals), #8 Timur Bizhoev (2020 Yarygin, 2020 Russian Nationals), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (2020 yarygin), #5 Frank Chamizo (2020 Individual World Cup Finals). Key Losses: #1 (65) David Baev (2018 70 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match, 2019 70 KG Russian nationals finals), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2018 70 KG Russian nationals, 2019 70 KG Yarygin, 2020 Yarygin), Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev (2018 70 KG Junior world finals), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (2018 70 KG Alans semifinals)
#3 Zaurbek Sidakov- 2x world champion (‘18,’19), 3x Russian national champion (‘16,’18,’19), 2020 Russian Nationals bronze medalist. Key Wins: #2 Khetik Tsabolov (2018 Russian Nationals finals), #8 Timur Bizhoev (2019 Yarygin), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (2020 Russian Nationals bronze medal match), #5 Frank Chamizo ( 2017 Alans, 2018 world’s, 2019 world’s), #6 Jordan Burroughs (2018 world’s, 2019 world’s). Key Losses: #11 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (2017 Russian Nationals), #2 Khetik Tsabolov (2018 Yarygin finals, 2020 Russian Nationals), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (2017 70 KG Alans finals), Rasul Dzhukaev (2017 70 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match)
#7 Magomed Kurbanaliev- 2013 66 KG world bronze medalist, 2016 70 KG world champion, 2019 Russian national champion, 2017 70 KG Alans champion, 2018 70 KG Alans runner-up, 2020 Yarygin bronze medalist. Key Wins: #1 Razambek Zhamalov (2018 70 KG Alans), #3 Zaurbek Sidakov (2017 70 KG Alans finals), #2 Khetik Tsabolov (2019 Russian Nationals finals), #8 Timur Bizhoev (2020 Yarygin), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2019 Russian Nationals), #1 (79) Akhmed Usmanov (2019 Russian Nationals) Key Losses: #1 Razambek Zhamalov (2020 Yarygin), #1 (65) David Baev (2018 70 KG Alans finals, 2017 70 KG Russian Nationals), Arpak Sat (2018 70 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), #3 Zaurbek Sidakov (2020 Russian Nationals bronze medal match), #2 Khetik Tsabolov (2020 Russian Nationals), Darsam Dzhaparov (2019 Ali Aliyev)
#8 Timur Bizhoev- 3x Russian Nationals bronze medalist (‘18,’19,’20), 2019 European championships bronze medalist, 2018 Alans champion. Key Wins: #1 (79) Akhmed Usmanov (2018 Russian Nationals), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2020 Russian Nationals), #12 Nikita Suchkov (2020 Russian Nationals bronze medal match), #3 (79) Evgeni Lapshov (2018 Russian Nationals), #10 Avtandil Kentchadze (2018 Alans finals, 2019 Alrosa Cup), #2 Khetik Tsabolov (2019 European Championships wrestle-offs) Key Losses: #1 Razambek Zhamalov (2019 Yuri Gusov finals, 2020 Yarygin, 2020 Russian Nationals), #10 Avtandil Kentchadze (2018 U-23 world finals), #5 Frank Chamizo (2019 European championships), #2 Khetik Tsabolov (2019 Alans, 2019 Russian Nationals), #3 Zaurbek Sidakov (2019 Yarygin), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (2020 Yarygin bronze medal match)
#9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov- 2x 70 KG world champion (‘15,’18), 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2019 70 KG yarygin champion, 2020 Yarygin champion, 2019 70 KG European bronze medalist, 2020 European championships runner-up, 2017 70 KG Yasar Dogu bronze medalist, 2018 Ali Aliev 70 KG runner-up Key Wins: #1 Razambek Zhamalov (2018 70 KG Russian Nationals, 2019 70 KG Yarygin, 2020 Yarygin finals), Soslan Ramonov (2018 70 KG Russian Nationals), #1 (65) David Baev (2018 Russian Nationals, 2019 Yarygin), #2 Khetik Tsabolov (2020 Yarygin), #10 Avtandil Kentchadze (2020 European championships) Key Losses: #8 Timur Bizhoev (2020 Russian Nationals), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (2019 Russian Nationals), #5 Frank Chamizo (2018 Ali Aliyev finals, 2020 European championships finals),#11 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (2017 Yasar Dogu), #2 (79) Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2019 Yasar Dogu)
#12 Nikita Suchkov-2x Russian Nationals bronze medalist (‘17,’18), 2x U-23 European champion (‘18,’19), 2x Korkin champion (‘17,’18) champion. Key Wins: #1 (79) Akhmed Usmanov (2019 Russian Nationals), #5 Frank Chamizo (2018 Korkin finals), #13 Magomed Abdulkadyrov (2021 Oleg Dukanov memorial finals), #5 (79) Radik Valiev (2017 Korkin) Key Losses: #2 Khetik Tsabolov (2017 Russian nationals, 2018 Russian Nationals, 2019 Russian Nationals), #1 Razambek Zhamalov (2019 Yuri Gusov tournament, 2020 Russian Nationals), #8 Timur Bizhoev (2019 Russian Nationals bronze medal match),
#13 Magomed Abdulkadyrov- 2019 70 KG Junior European runner-up, 2021 Oleg Dukanov Memorial runner-up. Key Wins: #14 Kakhaber Khubezhty (2021 Oleg Dukanov), #19 Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (2021 Oleg Dukanov). Key Losses: #12 Nikita Suchkov (2021 Oleg Dukanov), Vasile Diacon (2019 70 KG Junior European championships finals)
Darsam Dzhaparov- 2008 66 KG Junior world champion, 2008 66 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2019 Ali Aliev champion. Key Wins: #11 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (2019 DRL), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (2019 Ali Aliev), #1 (79) Akhmed Usmanov (2019 Ali Aliev), #12 Nikita Suchkov (2019 Ali Aliev). Key Losses: #6 (70) Aznaur Tavaev (2021 Oleg Dukanov bronze medal match), #12 Nikita Suchkov (2019 Russian Nationals, 2021 Oleg Dukanov memorial), Ruslan Bogatyrev (2019 Kunaev tournament)
Bracket Breakdown
While I rightfully hyped up and picked #1 Razambek Zhamalov to win Russian Nationals and world’s last year, which he did, things change pretty rapidly in a weight that fields the depth 74 KG does so my prediction is there a return to form of sorts for two time world champion #3 Zaurbek Sidakov. This is going to come about in the form of the resurgence of #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov.
My prediction of how it all goes down is that on the top side, Zhamalov has a closer match than he should with a gamer #19 Magomed Dibirgadzhiev in the round of 16, then come time for the semis, Gazimagomedov notches his fourth win over him in a close match where he denies Zhamalov his underhook and controls scrambles like their 2018 nationals, 2019 Yarygin, and 2020 yarygin matches and makes it to the finals. On the bottom half of the bracket, #3 Zaurbek Sidakov puts up a commanding win over #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev in the quarters and wins a tight 3-1, 3-2 type of match against #8 Timur Bizhoev in the semis. In the finals, I go with Sidakov being able to negate the pressure of Gazimagomedov to pick up his fourth career national title.
Two qualification round matches to watch for are #8 Timur Bizhoev/#13 Magomed Abdulkadyrov in the qualification round and #12 Nikita Suchkov/Ruslan Mashukov.
Predictions
GOLD: #3 Zaurbek Sidakov over #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov
BRONZE: #1 Razambek Zhamalov over #12 Nikita Suchkov
BRONZE: #8 Timur Bizhoev over #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev
While I am picking Bizhoev to beat #13 Abdulkadyrov in his opening round match, a big part of me really wants to see an Abdulkadyrov upset so that he could face off against #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev, as I think there two styles would make for a great match together.
Heavyweight
#6 Anzor Khizriev- 2017 world 5th, 2018 world 5th, 2019 Yarygin champ, 2019 European Games champ, 2018 Ziolkowski champ Key Wins: Taha Akgul (2019 Yarygin), #12 Oleksandr Khotsianivski (2019 European Games), Daniel Ligeti (2018 world’s), Magomedgadzi Nurasulov (2017 Russian Nationals finals), #11 (97) Givi Matcharashvili (2019 European Games finals), #10 Robert Baran (2018 Ziolkowski) Key Losses: #3 Shamil Sharipov (2020 Russian Nationals), #1 Geno Petriashvili (2018 world’s, 2017 world’s), #14 Parviz Hadi (2018 world bronze medal match), Levan Berianidze (2017 world bronze medal match),
#7 Batras Gazzaev- 2013 96 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2016 Intercontinental Cup champion, 2019 Intercontinental Cup champion, 2019 Kadyrov Cup champion, 2019 Alans champion, 2018 97 KG Russian Nationals 5th, 2017 97 KG Russian nationals 5th, Key Wins: #8 Baldan Tsyzhipov (2019 kadyrov Cup, 2019 Alans finals), Nick Gwiazdowski (2016 intercontinental Cup finals, 2019 Alans), #5 Amir Zare (2019 Alans), #3 Alan Khugaev (2019 Intercontinental Cup), Magomedgadzhi Nurasulov (2019 Intercontinental Cup finals), #17 (97) Aslanbek Sotiev (2019 92 KG Russian Nationals) Key Losses: Tamerlan Rasuev (2020 Russian Nationals), #1 (97) Abdulrashid Sadulaev (2017 97 KG Russian Nationals, 2018 97 KG Russian Nationals), Rasul Magomedov (2017 97 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Zainulla Kurbanov (2018 97 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match)
Pavel Krivtsov- 2019 Ali Aliev runner-up, 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2020 Yarygin runner-up, 2019 City of Sassari tournament champ. Key Wins: Daniel Ligeti (2019 Sassari tournament finals), Tamerlan Rasuev (2020 Yarygin), #3 Alan Khugaev (2020 Yarygin semis, 2019 Ali Aliev semis), Zolboo Natsagsuren (2019 Ali Aliev quarters). Key Losses: Said Gamidov (2019 Russian nationals semifinals), #8 Baldan Tsyzipov (2020 Yarygin finals), Vladislav Baitsaev (2019 Ali Aliev finals).
Vladislav Baitsaev- 2013 Yarygin champ, 2018 97 KG European champion, 2019 97 KG national champion, 2019 97 KG Alans runner-up, 2017 97 KG Alans champion, 2020 Yarygin champion, 2019 Ali Aliev champion, 2019 97 KG World Military Games bronze medalist, 2018 Yarygin bronze medalist, 2016 Yarygin champion. Key Wins: #5 (97) Elizbar Odikadze (2018 97 KG Euros, 2019 97 KG Alans), #8 (97) Aleksandr Hushtyn (2018 97 KG Euros), Khadzhimurad Gatsalov (2013 96 KG Yarygin), Anzor Boltukaev (2013 96 KG Yarygin), Pavel Krivstov (2019 Ali Aliev finals), #3 Alan Khugaev (2016 Yarygin finals). Key Losses: #1 (97) Abdulrashid Sadulaev (2017 97 KG national finals, 2018 97 KG national finals), #7 (97) Mohammad Mohammadian (2019 World Military Games), #4 (97) Kyle Snyder (2019 97 KG Alans finals, 2018 Yarygin)
Vitali Goloev- 2019 U-23 world runner-up, 2020 Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2018 Alans bronze medalist, 2019 Sargsyan champ, 2018 Ugra Cup runner-up. 2017 Korkin runner-up. Key Wins: Greg Kerkvliet (2019 U-23 world’s), Soslan Khinchagov (2019 Sargsyan), Atsamaz Tebloev (2020 Russian Nationals), Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (2017 Korkin, 2019 U-23 world’s). Key Losses: #5 Amir Zare (2019 U-23 world’s), #3 Alan Khugaev (2020 Russian Nationals), Mukhamgazi Magomedov (2018 Ugra Cup finals).
Said Gamidov- 2019 Russian National runner-up, 2018 Russian National bronze 2018 U-23 world champion, 2018 Medved bronze, 2018 Intercontinental Cup bronze. Key Wins: Anzor Boltukaev (2018 Russian Nationals), Adlan ibragimov (2018 Russian Nationals bronze medal match), #11 Kamil Kosciolek (2018 U-23 world’s), #4 Amin Taheri (2018 U-23 world’s), Pavel Krivstov (2019 Russian Nationals). Key Losses: #3 Alan Khugaev (2019 Russian Nationals), #6 Anzor Khizriev (2018 Russian Nationals), Atsamaz Tebloev (2020 Russian nationals)
#8 Baldan Tsyzhipov- 2016 Russian nationals bronze medalist, 2019 Alans runner-up, 2019 Kadyrov Cup runner-up, 2020 Yarygin champion, 2020 European championships bronze medalist. Key Wins: Pavel Krivstov (2020 Yarygin finals), Magomedgadzhi Nurasulov (2019 Alans), #2 Shamil Sharipov (2019 Alans). Key Losses: #7 Batras Gazzaev (2019 Kadyrov Cup Finals, 2019 Alans finals), Atsamaz Tebloev (2019 Russian Nationals), #1 Geno Petriashvili (2020 European Championships).
Kazbek Khubulov- 2016 Junior World champion, 2017 Yarygin 5th, 2021 NCFD champion. Key Wins: Zaur Kozonov (2021 NCFD finals), Umar Israilov (2016 Junior World Finals) Key Losses: #3 Alan Khugaev (2017 Yarygin), Jaber Sadeghzadehnoukoulaei (2017 Yarygin bronze medal match)
Muradin Kushkhov- 2014 Russian Nationals champion, 2018 Russian Nationals runner-up, 2018 Dan Kolov runner-up, 2018 Yarygin champ, 2016 Kunaev champ, 2015 Kadyrov Cup champ. Key Wins: Magomedgadzhi Nurasulov (2018 Russian Nationals), #6 Anzor Khizriev (2018 Yarygin), Nick Gwiazdowski (2018 Yarygin), Vladislav Baitsaev (2016 Kunaev finals), Oleksandr Khotsianivski (2015 Kadyrov Cup). Key Losses: #6 Anzor Khizriev (2018 Russian Nationals finals), Khamzat Khizriev (2020 Russian Nationals), Taha Akgul (2018 European championships), Jamaladdin Magomedov (2018 European Championships bronze medal match), #1 Geno Petriashvili (2018 Dan Kolov finals)
#20 (97) Magomedkhan Magomedov- 2018 97 KG Junior World Champion, 2017 97 KG Kunaev bronze medalist, 2018 97 KG Intercontinental Cup champion 2020 97 KG Yarygin runner-up. Key Wins: #5 (97) Elizbar Odikadze (2017 Kunaev), Shamil Musaev (2020 Yarygin), Zainulla Kurbanov (2018 Intercontinental Cup finals). Key Losses: Shamil Ali Musaev (2019 Russian Nationals, 2020 Russian Nationals), Mamed Ibragimov (2017 Kunaev), Vladislav Baitsaev (2020 Yarygin finals)
Zelimkhan Khizriev- 2017 Ziolkowski runner-up, 2019 Yarygin bronze medalist, 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2018 Ali Aliev champion. Key Wins: Nick Gwiazdowski (2019 DRL), Zhiwei Deng (2019 Yarygin), Magomedamin Dibirov (2018 Ali Aliev finals), Atsamaz Tebloev (2019 Russian nationals bronze medal match) Key Losses: #3 Alan Khugaev (2019 Russian Nationals), Pavel Krivstov (2019 Korkin), Daniel Ligeti (2017 Ziolkowski finals)
Atsamaz Tebloev (RUS)- 2019 Russian Nationals 5th, 2020 Russian Nationals 5th. Key Wins: Anzor Boltukaev (2020 Yarygin), Said Gamidov (2020 Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Magomedgadzhi Nurasulov (2019 Russian Nationals), #8 Baldan Tsyzhipov (2019 Russian Nationals). Key Losses: #3 Alan Khugaev (2019 Russian Nationals semis, 2020 Russian Nationals semis), #17 Vitali Goloev (2020 Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Zelimkhan Khizriev (2019 Russian Nationals bronze medal match)
Bracket Breakdown
On the top half of the bracket, 2020 European bronze medalist #8 Baldan Tszhipov has a tough opening round match against 2018 national runner-up Muradin Kushkhov but should get by where he’ll likely have returning national bronze, 2019 U-23 world bronze medalist Vitali Goloev coming off a win over two time national semifinalist Atsamaz Tebloev. On the bottom half, there is an absolute log jam on the top with #6 Anzor Khizriev taking on #20 (97) Magomedkhan Magomedov first round and 2019 national runner-up Said Gamidov taking on 2019 97 KG national champ Vladislav Baitsaev first round. I take Baitsaev over Gamidov and Khizriev over Magomedov to set up Baitsaev/Khizriev round of 16 and I am taking Baitsaev here to take out the two time national champion Khizriev to make the quarters. I am taking Baitsaev again in the semis to get by #7 Batras Gazzaev who would be coming off a win over 2019 nationals bronze medalist Zelimkhan Khizriev in the quarters. In the finals, I expect Baitsaev to continue on his run and take out #8 Baldan Tsyzhipov to win his second career national title.
Predictions
GOLD: Vladislav Baitsaev over #8 Baldan Tsyzhipov
BRONZE: #6 Anzor Khizriev over #7 Batraz Gazzaev
BRONZE: Vitali Goloev over Muradin Kushkhov