2023 61 KG Russian Nationals Preview

Day two of Russian Nationals goes down tomorrow. With each weight featuring a bevy of talent including World & Olympic champions, European champions, multiple Russian Nationals medalists and Yarygin champions, this year’s competition will be one to watch. This article will cover the 61 kilogram weight class led by returning top ranked Bashir Magomedov and returning Russian National champion #3 (65) Abasgadzhi Magomedov.

Title Contenders

#1 Bashir Magomedov- 2022 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals champion, 2022 61 Kg 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament runner-up, 2022 61 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2022 61 KG Ali Aliev bronze medalist, 2023 61 KG Ali Aliev champion. Key Wins: Magomed Baitukaev (2022 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals finals), Muslim Mekhtikhanov (2023 61 KG Ali Aliev), Dinislam Takhtarov (2023 61 KG Ali Aliev finals), Magomedamin Bekbulatov (2022 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals), Alexander Shabanov (2022 61 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Said Khunkerov (2020 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals), Key Losses: Chermen Tavitov (2022 61 KG Ali Aliev), Abasgadzhi Magomedov (2022 61 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament finals, 2022 61 KG Russian Nationals, 2023 61 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Muslim Mekhtikhanov (2023 61 KG Yarygin RD16), Alexander Sabanov (2022 61 KG Semenov Cup, 2020 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals), Alexei Kopylov (2020 57 KG Russian Nationals qualification round).

#2 Muslim Mekhtikhanov - 2021 61 KG Russian Nationals runner-up, 2023 61 KG Yarygin champion, 2022 61 KG Khasavyurt Tournament bronze medalist, 2021 61 KG Ali Aliev champion, 2019 61 KG Kadyrov Cup runner-up, Key Wins: Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (2022 61 KG Yarygin), Artur Chebodaev (2022 61 KG Yarygin), Abasgadzhi Magomedov (2023 61 KG Yarygin), Bashir Magomedov (2023 61 KG Yarygin), Tuvshintulga Tumenbileg (2023 61 KG Yarygin finals), Zelimkhan Abakarov (2021 61 KG NCFD semifinals), Rustam Karakhanov (2019 61 KG Kadyrov Cup), Eduard Grigoriev (2021 61 KG Ali Aliyev finals), Cherman Tavitov (2021 61 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Nodar Arabidze (2021 61 KG Russian Nationals semifinals). Key Losses: Akhmed Idrisov (2022 61 KG Khasavyurt Tournament), Nico Megerle (2021 61 KG U23 European Championships), Zhargal Damdinov (2022 61 KG Russian Nationals), Abasgadzhi Magomedov (2021 61 KG Russian Nationals, 2022 61 KG Yarygin, 2022 61 KG All-Russian Spartakiad, 2019 61 KG Intercontinental Cup quarterfinals, 2022 61 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Zelimkhan Abakarov (2022 61 KG Yarygin bronze medal match, 2019 61 KG Kadyrov Cup finals, 2019 61 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Dinislam Takhtarov (2021 61 KG NCFD finals), Magomed Baitukaev (2022 61 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Rasul Gazuev (2019 61 KG Ali Aliyev quarterfinals)

#3 (65) Abasgadzhi Magomedov- 2015 54 KG Cadet world silver medalist, 2016 57 KG Junior European Champion, 2017 57 KG Intercontinental Cup runner-up, 2019 61 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medalist, 2018 57 KG Alans champion, 2019 61 KG Sargsyan Cup champion, 2019 57 KG Yarygin runner-up, 2018 61 KG Intercontinental Cup champion, 2017 57 KG Kunaev tournament runner-up, 2019 61 KG Alans runner-up, 2020 61 KG Yarygin bronze medalist, 2020 61 KG Russian Nationals champion, 2020 61 KG Individual World Cup champion, 2021 61 KG Yarygin champion, 2021 61 KG European Champion, 2021 61 KG Senior World champion, 2022 61 KG Yarygin champion, 2022 61 KG Russian Nationals champion, 2022 All-Russian Spartakiad runner-up, 2022 61 KG Korkin champion, 2022 61 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament champion, 2020 61 KG Individual World Cup champion, 2019 61 KG U23 European Champion Key Wins: Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (2023 PWL 4), Zelimkhan Abakarov (2019 61 KG Alans semifinals), Thomas Gilman (2019 57 KG Yarygin), Bekhbayar Erdenebat (2019 57 KG Yarygin), Giorgios Pilidis (2019 61 KG U23 European finals), Zagir Shakhiev (2019 61 KG Sargsyan Cup), Akhmednabi Gvarzatilov (2020 61 KG Individual World Cup champion), Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez (2019 61 KG Bundesliga), Daton Fix (2021 61 KG Senior World finals), Ramaz Turmanidze (2018 61 KG Junior World finals), Ramazan Ferzaliev (2020 61 KG Russian Nationals finals, 2023 61 KG Ali Aliyev finals), Muslim Mekhtikhanov (2021 61 KG Russian Nationals, 2022 61 KG Yarygin, 2022 61 KG All-Russian Spartakiad, 2019 61 KG Intercontinental Cup quarterfinals, 2022 61 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Ramiz Gamzatov (2018 57 KG Alans), Zhargal Damdinov (2018 57 KG Alans), Donduk-Ool Khuresh-Ool (2018 57 KG Alans finals), Magomed Baitukaev (2022 61 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Toshihiro Hasegawa (2021 61 KG Senior World championships), Tuvshintulga Tumenbileg (2021 61 KG Senior World championships), Akhmed Idrisov (2022 61 KG Russian Nationals finals, 2022 61 KG Korkin finals, 2022 61 KG Khasavyurt Tournament finals), Giorgi Vangelov (2020 61 KG Individual World Cup), Razmik Papikyan (2020 61 KG Individual World Cup), Arsen Harutyunyan (2019 61 Kg Sargsyan Cup finals), Fedor Baltuev (2022 61 KG Yarygin finals), Yuki Takahashi (2017 57 KG Yarygin), Dinislam Takhtarov (2022 61 KG Khasavyurt Tournament), Bashir Magomedov (2022 61 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament finals, 2022 61 KG Russian Nationals)  Key Losses: Artem Gebek (2018 61 KG Russian Nationals), Alexander Bogomoev (2019 61 KG Russian Nationals, 2020 61 KG Yarygin), Ramazan Ferzaliev (2019 61 KG Ali Aliev, 2019 61 KG Alans finals), Akhmed Idrisov (2022 61 KG All-Russian Spartakiad finals), Muslim Mekhtikhanov (2023 61 KG Yarygin quarterfinals), Takoto Otoguro (2015 54 KG Cadet World finals), Zavur Uguev (2017 57 KG Intercontinental Cup finals, 2017 57 KG Kunaev), Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (2019 61 KG Intercontinental Cup semifinals), Zelimkhan Abakarov (2017 57 KG Yarygin, 2019 61 KG Bundesliga), Muslim Sadulaev (2019 57 KG Yarygin finals).

Medal Contenders

#5 (57) Artur Chebodaev- 2021 61 KG U23 World runner-up, 2023 57 KG Yarygin 5th place finisher, 2019 57 KG Semenov Cup runner-up, 2021 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals champion, 2022 61 KG Alexander Krylov Memorial Tournament champion, 2022 57 KG Semenov Cup bronze medalist. Key Wins: Nachyn Mongush (2023 57 KG Yarygin), Narankhuu Narmandakh (2021 61 KG U23 World championships), Akhmed Zubairov (2021 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals finals), Alexander Shabanov (2021 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals), Ismail Gadzhiev (2019 57 KG Semenov Cup), Aliabbaz Rzazade (2019 57 KG Semenov Cup semifinals). Key Losses: Ramiz Gamzatov (2020 57 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Muslim Mekhtikhanov (2022 61 KG Yarygin), Musa Mekhtikhanov (2022 57 KG Semenov Cup), Fedor Postnikov (2021 57 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Cherman Tavitov (2022 61 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Arsen Harutyunyan (2021 61 KG U23 World Championships), Khasanhussein Badrudinov (2019 57 KG Semenov Cup finals)

Alik Khadartsev- 2021 61 KG Junior World bronze medalist, 2021 65 KG Yarygin Champion, 2022 65 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament Champion, 2022 65 KG Soslan Andiev Memorial Runner-up, 2022 65 KG All-Russian Spartakid bronze medalist. Key Wins: Ibragim Ibragimov (2022 65 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Tulga Tumur Ochir (2022 65 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament finals), Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (2022 65 Kg 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Dinislam Takhtarov (2021 65 KG Yarygin qualification round), Ramazan Ferzaliev (2021 65 KG Yarygin semifinals, 2022 65 KG All-Russian Spartakiad bronze medal match), Dasha Sharastepanov (2021 65 KG Yarygin finals), Zagir Shakhiev (2022 65 KG Russian Nationals RD 16). Key Losses: Elbrus Valiev (2022 65 KG Russian Nationals repechage, 2022 65 KG Semenov Cup, 2022 65 KG Soslan Andiev Memorial finals), Ibragim Ibragimov (2022 65 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Shamil Mamedov (2022 65 KG All-Russian Spartakiad), Daulet Niyazbekov (2021 65 KG Ali Aliev RD 16), Andrey Dzhelep (2019 61 KG Junior World championships)

#8 Abubakar Mutaliev -2019 57 KG Intercontinental Cup champion, 2019 57 KG Yusup Abdusalamov Tournament Champion, 2019 57 KG Alans 5th place finisher, 2021 57 KG Senior World Championships 5th place finisher, 2021 57 KG Russian Nationals wrestle-off’s winner, 2021 57 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2021 57 KG Umakhanov Tournament champion, 2021 61 KG Championship of Dagestan 5th place finisher, 2022 57 KG Semenov Cup champion, 2019 57 KG Kadyrov Cup runner-up. Key Wins: Thomas Gilman (2019 57 KG Intercontinental Cup, 2019 57 KG Yusup Abdusalamov Tournament, 2019 57 KG Alans), Magomed Abdurakhmanov (2021 57 KG Umakhanov Tournament finals), Dzhabrail Gairbekov (2019 57 KG Kadyrov Cup semifinals) Donduk-Ool Khuresh Ool (2021 57 KG Russian Nationals repechage), Kuzhuget Belek-Ool (2021 57 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match),  Azamat Tuskaev (2021 57 KG Russian Nationals wrestle-off’s), Ramiz Gamzatov (2021 57 KG Russian Nationals wrestle-off’s), Khasanhussein Badrudinov (2019 57 KG Intercontinental Cup, 2021 61 NCFD Tournament finals), Muslim Sadulaev (2021 57 KG Umakhanov Tournament), Musa Mekhtikhanov (2020 61 KG Dagestan Championships), Key Losses: Ramiz Gamzatov (2020 57 KG Yarygin qualification round, 2022 57 KG Umakhanov Tournament bronze medal match), Dzhabrail Gairbekov (2021 61 KG Championship of Dagestan bronze medal match), Akhmed Idrisov (2019 57 KG Alans semifinals), Azamat Tuskaev (2019 57 KG Alans bronze medal match), Horst Lehr (2021 57 KG Senior World bronze medal match), Said Khunkerov (2023 61 KG Yarygin qualification round), Thomas Gilman (2021 57 KG Senior World Championships), Almaz Smanbekov (2022 57 KG Yarygin qualification round), Donduk-Ool Khuresh Ool (2022 57 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Andrey Bekrenev (2023 61 KG Ali Aliev quarterfinals), Khasanhussein Badrudinov (2021 61 KG Championship of Dagestan semifinal), Musa Mekhtikhanov (2022 57 KG Ali Aliev quarterfinals), Ramazan Abdurakhimov (2022 57 KG Umakhanov Tournament), Muslim Sadulaev (2019 57 KG Kadyrov Cup finals)

Dark Horses

#6 Dinislam Takhtarov -2019 61 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2019 61 KG Kunaev bronze medalist, 2019 61 KG U23 World Championships bronze medalist, 2023 61 KG Ali Aliev runner-up, 2021 65 KG Yarygin 5th place finisher, 2022 61 KG Umakhanov Tournament bronze medalist. Key Wins: Alexander Bogomoev (2019 61 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Dzhabrail Gairbekov (2019 61 KG Russian Nationals), Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (2019 61 KG Russian Nationals rd16), Eduard Grigoriev (2019 61 KG Russian Nationals repechage), Bekhbayar Erdenebat (2018 61 KG Alans), Arsen Harutyunyan (2019 61 KG U23 World Championships bronze medal match), Said Khunkerov (2023 61 KG Ali Aliev), Gadzhimagomed Gadzhiev (2023 61 KG Ali Aliev), Andrey Bekrenev (2023 61 KG Ali Aliev), Alik Khadartsev (2021 65 KG U23 Russian Nationals), Amirkhan Guvazhokov (2018 61 KG Semenov Cup), Chermen Tavitov (2021 61 KG NCFD Tournament semifinals), Key Losses: Ravinder Ravinder (2019 61 KG U23 World Championships), Bashir Magomedov (2023 61 KG Ali Aliev finals), Muslim Saidulaev (2021 65 KG U23 Russian Nationals semifinals), Usman Shakhgariev (2021 65 KG U23 Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Fedor Baltuev (2021 61 KG Russian Nationals), Yuri Arakelyan (2020 65 KG Russian Nationals), Ramazan Ferzaliev (2019 61 KG Russian Nationals, 2021 65 KG Yarygin bronze medal match, 2018 61 KG Alans), Alik Khadartsev (2021 65 KG Yarygin qualification round), Alexander Bogomoev (2019 61 KG Kunaev), Said Khunkerov (2023 61 KG Magomed-Tagir Magomedov Memorial Tournament), Tulga Tumur Ochir (2019 65 KG Alans), Aliashkab Badrudinov (2018 61 KG Intercontinental Cup quarterfinals), Muslim Mekhtikhanov (2023 61 KG Yarygin qualification round, 2021 61 KG NCFD Tournament finals), Alexander Sabanov (2018 61 KG Alans repechage rd1), Dzhabrail Gairbekov (2018 61 KG Semenov Cup semifinals), Abasgadzhi Magomedov (2022 61 KG Umakhanov Tournament semifinals), Bulat Bayasholonov (2018 61 KG Russian Nationals). 

#4 Dzhabrail Gairbekov- 2017 57 KG Intercontinental Cup 5th place finisher, 2018 57 KG Ali Aliev champion, 2018 61 KG Semenov Cup runner-up, 2018 57 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medalist, 2019 61 KG Intercontinental Cup 5th place finisher, 2019 61 KG Semenov Cup 5th place finisher, 2021 57 KG Ali Aliev runner-up, 2022 61 Kg Soslan Andiev Memorial runner-up, 2022 57 KG Yusup Abdusalamov Tournament champion, 2021 61 KG Championship of Dagestan bronze medalist, 2019 57 KG Kadyrov Cup bronze medalist, Key Wins: Alexander Sabanov (2022 61 KG Soslan Andiev Memorial), Akhmed Idrisov (2018 57 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medal match), Abubakar Mutaliev (2021 61 KG Championship of Dagestan bronze medal match), Ismail Gadzhiev (2018 57 KG Intercontinental Cup finals), Muslim Sadulaev (2018 57 KG Ali Aliev), Dinislam Takhtarov (2018 61 KG Semenov Cup), Abdulmazhid Kudiev (2019 61 Kg Intercontinental Cup qualification round), Makhir Amiraslanov (2021 57 KG Ali Aliev), Islam Bazarganov (2021 57 KG Ali Aliev semifinals), Tamir Garmaev (2021 57 KG Ali Aliyev), Kezhik Chimba (2022 65 KG Russia Cup), Key Losses: Artem Gebek (2018 61 KG Semenov Cup finals, 2019 61 KG Intercontinental Cup repechage), Aldar Balzhinimaev (2022 61 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Elbrus Valiev (2022 65 KG Russia Cup), Muslim Saidulaev (2022 65 KG Russia Cup), Khasanhussein Badrudinov (2021 61 KG Championship of Dagestan), Aryan Tyutrin (2018 57 KG Alans qualification round), Kuzhuget Belek-Ool (2017 57 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Abasgadzhi Magomedov (2017 57 KG Intercontinental Cup, 2020 61 KG Azaev Tournament), Dmitry Aksenov (2021 57 KG Umakhanov Tournament qualification round), Rasul Kaliev (2017 57 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medal match), Ramiz Gamzatov (2021 57 KG Ali Aliev finals, 2018 57 KG Intercontinental Cup quarterfinals), Chermen Tavitov (2022 61 KG All-Russian Spartakiad qualification round, 2022 61 KG Soslan Andiev Memorial finals), Abubakar Mutaliev (2019 57 KG Kadyrov Cup semifinals), Artysh Ool-Arzyl (2018 57 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Dinislam Takhtarov (2019 61 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (2019 61 KG Intercontinental Cup, 2020 61 KG Azaev Tournament), Muslim Mekhtikhanov (2021 61 KG NCFD Tournament), 

#7 Said Khunkerov- 2023 61 KG Magomed-Tagir Magomedov Memorial Tournament runner-up, 2021 57 KG Junior European Champion, 2022 61 KG Yumshanova Tournament runner-up, 2021 57 KG Junior Russian Nationals runner-up, 2021 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals 5th place finisher. Key Wins: Abubakar Mutaliev (2023 61 KG Yarygin), Dinislam Takhtarov (2023 61 KG Magomed-Tagir Magomedov Memorial Tournament), Manvel Khndrtzyan (2021 57 KG Junior European finals), Tamerlan Karaev (2023 61 KG Magomed-Tagir Magomedov Memorial semifinals), Dzhabrail Gairbekov (2022 61 KG Umakhanov Tournament qualification round), Artyom Gobaev (2021 57 KG Junior Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Akhmed Zubairov (2021 61 KG Junior Championships of Dagestan RD32) Key Losses: Ramiz Gamzatov (2023 61 KG Magomed-Tagir Magomedov Memorial Tournament finals), Dinislam Takhtarov (2023 61 KG Ali Aliyev quarterfinals), Gadzhimagomed Gadzhiev (2023 61 KG Ali Aliyev repechage), Donduk-Ool Khuresh-Ool (2021 57 KG Yarygin RD16), Cherman Tavitov (2023 61 KG Yarygin quarterfinals), Ramazan Bagavudinov (2022 61 KG Yarygin RD16, 2021 57 KG Junior Russian Nationals finals), Alexander Sabanov (2021 61 KG Khasavyurt Tournament qualification round), Alexander Avelov (202 61 KG Yumshanova Tournament finals), Fedor Baltuev (2021 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Akhmed Zubairov (2021 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals semifinals), Bashir Magomedov (2020 57 KG Junior Russian Nationals), 

#5 Alexander Sabanov-2019 57 KG Alans bronze medalist, 2019 61 KG Junior European Bronze medalist, 2020 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals runner-up, 2018 61 KG Alans 5th place finisher, 2022 61 KG Semenov Cup champion, 2022 61 KG Soslan Andiev Memorial bronze medalist, 2021 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2020 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals champion. Key Wins: Ramiz Gamzatov (2019 57 KG Alans bronze medal match), Bashir Magomedov (2022 61 KG Semenov Cup, 2020 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Dmitry Aksenov (2021 61 KG Umakhanov Tournament RD16), Efim Kormiltsev (2022 61 KG Semenov Cup finals), Zanabazar Zandanbud (2019 57 KG Alans), Dinislam Takhtarov (2018 61 KG Alans repechage), Donduk-ool Khuresh-Ool (2019 57 KG Alans), Vito Arujau (2020 57 KG Yarygin), Said Khunkerov (2021 61 KG Khasvyurt Tournament qualification round), Abdulmazhid Kudiev (2020 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals), Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (2020 61 KG NCFD Tournament), Abdurakhman Dalgatov (2020 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals), Rakhim Gurdaliev (2020 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals), Ai-Belek Mongush (2020 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals finals), Efim Kormiltsev (2018 61 KG Russian Nationals repechage rd1), Key Losses: Bekhbayar Erdenebat (2019 57 KG Alans), Dzhabrail Gairbekov (2022 61 KG Soslan Andiev Memorial quarterfinals), Fedor Baltuev (2020 61 KG Junior Russian Nationals finals), Ramazan Ferzaliev (2018 61 KG Alans qualification round), Julian Gergenov (2018 61 KG Alans bronze medal match), Zhargal Damdinov (2021 61 KG Yarygin, 2020 61 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Bashir Magomedov (2022 61 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Artur Chebodaev (2021 61 KG U23 Russian Nationals semifinals), Ramiz Gamzatov (2021 61 KG Umakhanov Tournament RD16, 2020 57 KG Yarygin Repechage rd2), Zelimkhan Abakarov (2021 61 KG NCFD Tournament), Abasgadzhi Magomedov (2022 61 Kg U23 Showcase match, 2021 61 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Rustam Karakhanov (2021 61 KG Russian Nationals repechage rd2), Azamat Tuskaev (2020 57 KG Yarygin RD16), Artem Gebekov (2020 61 KG NCFD Tournament Finals), Hrachya Margaryan (2019 61 KG Junior European Championships qualification round), Ismail Musukaev (2018 61 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Eduard Grigoriev (2018 61 KG Russian Nationals repechage rd2),

The Breakdown

#2 Muslim Mekhtikhanov holds down the top bracket and has a round of 16 matchup against #10 Gadzhimagomed Gadzhiev that I see him winning. In the quarterfinals, Mekhtikhanov has to contend with the trio of #5 (57) Artur Chebodaev, #7 Said Khunkerov, and #4 Dzhabrail Gairbekov. Out of this trio, I see #5 Chebodaev making the quarterfinals against the quarterfinals where Mekhtikhanov will prevail. On the other quarterfinal of the top bracket, I see 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalist #6 Dinislam Takhtarov making the quarterfinal. Facing Takhtarov could be between the trio of 2021 Russian Nationals bronze medalist Aldar Balzhinimaev, 2019 57 KG Alans bronze medalist #5 Alexander Sabanov, and #8 Abubakar Mutaliev. I see Mutaliev beating Sabanov and Balzhinimaev to make the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinal, I see #6 Dinislam Takhtarov beating Abubakar Mutaliev to make the semifinals against #2 Muslim Mekhtikhanov where Mekhtikhanov will come away victorious. 

On the bottom bracket, #1 Bashir Magomedov and #3 (65) Abasgadzhi Magomedov are on a collision course for the semifinals. On Bashir’s end, his toughest match will come in the round of 16 in a rematch of the bronze medal match from last year’s Russian Nationals against 2020 57 KG bronze medalist Zhargal Damdinov. I see Bashir winning that match and his quarterfinal to face #3 (65) Abasgadzhi Magomedov in a rematch of their semifinal from last year. #3 (65) Abasgadzhi Magomedov’s biggest test will come in the quarterfinals where he’ll face off against 2021 65 KG Yarygin champion Alik Khadartsev. Khadartsev has an absolutely elite hitlist at 65 KG with victories over #4 (INT) Tulga Tumur Ochir (MGL), #9 (INT) Ibragim Ibragimov, #12 (INT) Ramazan Ferzaliev, and Dinislam Takhtarov, but I think Magomedov will be too much for him. In the semifinals, I see Abasgadzhi Magomedov beating Bashir Magomedov to make his fourth straight Russian Nationals finals.

2023 61 KG Russian Nationals Predictions

GOLD: #3 (65) Abasgadzhi Magomedov over #2 Muslim Mekhtikhanov

BRONZE: #5 (57) Artur Chebodaev over #6 Dinislam Takhtarov

BRONZE: Alik Khadartsev over #1 Bashir Magomedov