2023 79 KG Russian Nationals Preview

Day four of Russian Nationals goes down on Thursday and the weights that compete are 79 KG, 97 KG, and 125 KG. 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 79 kilogram weight class led by #1 Akhmed Usmanov, 2019 Senior World bronze medalist Gadzhi Nabiev, Yarygin champion #2 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev, and 2021 79 KG Senior World bronze medalist #3 Radik Valiev will not be competing at Russian Nationals.

Title Contenders

 #1 Akhmed Usmanov-2016 66 KG junior world runner-up, 2016 66 KG Russian junior national champ, 2015 66 KG Intercontinental cup bronze, 2016 66 KG ALi Aliyev 5th, 2018 74 KG Dagestan Nationals bronze medalist, 2018 74 KG Ali Aliyev champ, 2018 74 KG Semenov champ, 2018 74 KG Murad Gaidarov Memorial Tournament champ, 2018 74 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medalist, 2020 79 KG Russian Nationals champion, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals runner-up, 2021 79 KG Ali Aliev champion, 2020 79 KG Individual World Cup champion, 2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad bronze medalist, 2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament champion, 2022 79 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament champion, 2019 74 KG Alans bronze medalist, 2019 74 KG Ali Aliev runner-up, 2019 74 KG Semenov Cup bronze medalist, 2018 74 KG Alans bronze medalist, 2018 74 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medalist, 2021 79 KG Yarygin champion, 2022 79 KG Korkin champion. Key Wins: Orkhan Abasov (2016 65 KG Junior worlds), David Baev (2016 65 KG Junior national finals), Magomed Khizrieev (2018 Murad Gaidarov Memorial Tournament finals), Ruslan Bogatyrev (2018 Murad Gaidarov Memorial Tournament, Daniyar Kaisanov (2018 Murad Gaidarov Memorial Tournament), Meirzhan Ashirov (2015 Intercontinental Cup), Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (2018 74 KG Ali Aliyev, 2018 74 KG Semenov semis, 2019 74 KG Ali Aliyev), Magomedkhabib Kadiamagomedov (2018 Semenov finals, 2020 79 KG Individual World Cup, 2022 79 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Khetag Tsabolov (2018 74 KG Alans), Radik Valiev (2022 79 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament, 2022 79 KG Korkin finals), Malik Shavaev (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament bronze medal match), Alan Zaseev (201874 KG Ali Aliyev), Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2018 Ali Aliyev), Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (2021 79 KG Yarygin finals, 2021 79 KG Ali Aliev), Arsalan Budazhapov (2021 79 KG Ali Aliev), Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals finals, 2019 74 KG Ali Aliev), Saipulla Alibulatov (2019 74 KG Ali Aliyev), Gadzhi Nabiev (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals semifinals), Amkhad Tashukhadzhiev (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Ali Savadkouhi (2023 79 KG Iranian Pro League), Magomed Kurbanaliev (2019 74 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Tazhidin Akaev (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals semifinals), Azamat Nurikov (2019 74 KG Ali Aliev) Key Losses: Enes Uslu (2016 junior world finals), Isamagomed Amiraslanov (2018 Intercontinental Cup bronze medal match), Nikita Suchkov (2019 74 KG Russian Nationals repechage rd3), Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (2016 Ali Aliyev), Kamal Malikov (2016 Ali Aliyev), Alibegghadzi Emeev(2015 Intercontinental Cup), Yakup Shikdzhamalov (2018 Dagestan Nationals), Murad Kuramagomedov (2017 Murad Gaidarov tournament, 2018 Intercontinental Cup semifinals), Timur Bizhoev (2018 Russian Nationals round of 16, 2018 74 KG Alans), Kakhaber Khubezhty (2019 79 KG Alans), Frank Chamizo (2018 Korkin), Israil Kasumov (2018 Korkin bronze medal match), Magomed Magomaev (2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad), Atsamaz Sanakoev (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament), Malik Shavaev (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2022 79 KG Yarygin, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Radik Valiev (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2022 79 KG Yarygin).

 Gadzhi Nabiev- 2015 74 KG Junior World champion, 2017 74 KG Russian Nationals runner-up, 2018 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2019 79 KG Russian Nationals champion, 2020 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2019 79 KG Senior World bronze medalist, 2022 79 KG Yarygin bronze medalist, 2018 79 KG U23 Senior World runner-up, 2017 74 KG U23 Senior World champion, 2016 74 KG Intercontinental Cup champion, 2017 74 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medalist, 2017 74 KG Ali Aliev bronze medalist, 2019 79 KG Ziolkowski champion, 2022 79 KG Yarygin bronze medalist. Key Wins: Amkhad Tashukhadzhiev (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match, 2018 74 KG Alans semifinals), Tarzan Maisuradze (2015 74 KG Junior World Championships), Reza Mozafari (2015 74 KG Junior World finals) Akhsarbek Gulaev (2017 74 KG U23 World finals), Magomed Mutalibov (2017 74 KG Intercontinental Cup), Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (2017 74 KG Intercontinental Cup), Magomed Ramazanov (2016 74 KG Intercontinental Cup, 2016 74 KG Intercontinental Cup), Ashrab Geriev (2016 74 KG Intercontinental Cup finals) Tazhidin Akaev (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (2018 79 KG Ali Aliev), Alan Zaseev (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals, 2018 79 KG Alans), Atsamaz Sanakoev (2018 79 KG Alans finals), Yakup Shikhdzhamalov (2016 74 KG Yarygin), Radik Valiev (2021 79 KG Wolnik 6), Akhmed Usmanov (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals wrestle-off’s), Rashid Kurbanov (2019 79 KG Senior World bronze medal match), Khalid Yakhiev (2019 79 KG Russian Nationals), Ernak Kardanov (2019 79 KG Russian Nationals), Dovletmuraz Orazgylyov (2018 79 KG U23 World championships, 2015 74 KG Junior World championships), Isa Shapiev (2018 79 KG U23 World Championships semifinals), Isaiah Martinez (2017 74 KG U23 World Championships), Avtandil Kentchadze (2017 74 KG U23 World Championships), Alex Dieringer (2022 79 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Magomed Khizriev (2016 74 KG Intercontinental Cup), Zaur Makiev (2015 74 KG Kadyrov Cup bronze medal match), Ashkab Geriev (2015 74 KG Kadyrov Cup quarterfinals) Key Losses: Kakhaber Khubezhty (2016 74 KG Yarygin, 2017 74 KG Yarygin), Alan Zaseev (2015 74 KG Kadyrov Cup semifinals), Khalil Aminov (2020 79 KG Yarygin), Khusey Suyunchev (2017 74 KG Intercontinental Cup semifinals), Radik Valiev (2022 79 KG Yarygin), Nuri Kotanoglu (2016 74 KG Alrosa Cup), Nika Kentchadze (2018 79 KG U23 World Championships finals) Ernak Kardanov (2019 79 KG Ali Aliev RD16), Dovletmurat Orazgylyov (2018 79 KG Medved), Ibragim Yusubov (2018 79 KG Ali Aliev), Umakhan Magomedov (2018 79 KG Ali Aliev bronze medal match), Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (2018 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2015 74 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Kyle Dake (2019 79 KG Senior World Championships), Gadzhi Gadzhiev (2014 74 KG Intercontinental Cup), Akhmed Usmanov (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals), Magomed Mutalibov (2019 79 KG Kadyrov Cup, 2017 74 KG Ali Aliev), Khetag Tsabolov (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals finals).

 #4 Magomed Magomaev-2021 79 KG U23 World champion, 2020 79 KG Junior Russian Nationals champion, 2022 79 KG U23 Russian Nationals runner-up, 2022 79 KG Senior Russian Nationals runner-up, 2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad champion, 2021 79 KG Medved bronze medalist, 2021 79 KG Yarygin 5th place finisher, 2021 79 KG U23 Russian Nationals champion, 2021 86 KG Championship of Dagestan 5th place finisher. Key Wins: Akhmed Usmanov (2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartkiad), Ashraf Ashirov (2021 79 KG U23 World championships), Ali Savadkouhi (2021 79 KG U23 World Championships), Kakhaber Khubezhty (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Kamil Dalgatov (2020 79 KG Junior Russian Nationals finals), Magomedrasul Asluev (2020 79 KG Junior Russian Nationals), Amkhad Tashukhadzhiev (2020 79 KG Junior Russian Nationals, 2020 79 KG Russian Senior Nationals), Nikita Suchkov (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2021 79 KG Yarygin), Dmitri Zainidinov (2021 79 KG Yarygin quarterfinals), Ramazan Sari (2021 79 KG U23 World finals), Akhsarbek Gulaev (2021 79 KG Medved), David Betanov (2020 79 KG Junior Russian Nationals), Dmitri Kuprin (2021 79 KG U23 Russian Nationals finals), Key Losses: Malik Shavaev (2022 79 KG Senior Russian Nationals finals), Khalid Yakhiev (2022 79 KG U23 Russian Nationals finals), Nika Kentchadze (2021 79 KG Medved semifinals), Ernak Kardanov (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (2021 79 KG Yarygin semifinals), Arsalan Budazhapov (2021 79 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Evgheni Lapshov (2020 79 KG Senior Russian Nationals RD16), Khalil Aminov (2021 86 KG Championship of Dagestan), Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (2021 86 KG Championship of Dagestan bronze medal match).

 #2 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev-2023 79 KG Yarygin runner-up, 2020 79 KG Russian Nationals runner-up, 2022 79 KG Yasar Dogu 5th place finisher, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals 5th place finisher, 2023 79 KG Ali Aliev champion, 2022 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament bronze medalist, 2019 74 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medalist, 2019 74 KG Alans bronze medalist, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals 5th place finisher, 2022 79 KG Yarygin 5th place finisher, 2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad runner-up, Key Wins: Radik Valiev (2023 79 KG Yarygin), Kakhaber Khubezhty (2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad semifinals), Dmitri Zainidinov (2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad qualification round), Akhmed Usmanov (2022 79 KG Yarygin repechage rd1), Khalid Yakhiev (2023 79 KG Yarygin), Mekhi Lewis (2019 74 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medal match), Musa Baziev (2019 74 KG Intercontinental Cup), Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2019 74 KG Ali Aliev), Evgheni Lapshov (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals), Atsamaz Sanakoebv (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals), Begkhan Misrikhanov (2023 79 KG Ali Aliev finals), Ernak Kardanov (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals). Key Losses: Malik Shavaev (2022 79 KG Yarygin, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals), Akhmed Usmanov (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2022 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament, 2019 74 KG Ali Aliev), Azamat Nurikov (2019 74 KG Ali Aliev bronze medal match), Adam Khasiev (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals), Radik Valiev (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Ali Savadkouhi (2022 79 KG Yasar Dogu), Jordan Burroughs (2022 79 KG Yasar Dogu), James Green (2019 74 KG Alans), Dmitri Zainidinov (2022 79 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (2019 74 KG Intercontinental Cup, 2018 74 KG Intercontinental Cup), Asret Ulimbashev (2021 79 KG Ali Aliev quarterfinals), Magomed Magomaev (2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad finals, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals semifinals), Nikita Suchkov (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match, 2018 74 KG Russian Nationals), Asret Ulimbashev (2023 79 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Akhmed Usmanov (2023 79 KG Yarygin semifinals), Evgheni Lapshov (2019 74 KG Russian Nationals), Kakhaber Khubezhty (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament)

Medal Contenders

#5 Kakhaber Khubezhty- 2013 74 KG Russian Nationals champ, 2013 74 KG Yarygin bronze medalist, 2016 74 KG Yarygin bronze medalist, 2015 74 KG Kadyrov bronze medalist, 2015 74 KG Sargsyan runner-up, 2015 Ali Aliyev bronze medalist, 2014 74 KG Kadyrov cup champ, 2011 Yasar Dogu Bronze Medalist 2012 74 KG Kadyrov cup runner-up, 2011 74 KG Kadyrov cup bronze medalist, 2006 74 KG Junior world champ, 2006 Junior European champ, 2016 74 KG Ali Aliyev champion, 2016 74 KG Stepan Sargsyan champ, 2015 74 KG Russian Nationals 5th place finisher, 2017 74 KG Russian Nationals 5th place finisher, 2017 74 KG Yarygin bronze medal match, 2017 74 KG Dan Kolov champion, 2018 74 KG Yarygin bronze medalist, 2018 79 KG Tbilisi GP champion, 2018 79 KG President Cup of Buryatia bronze medalist, 2018 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2018 74 KG Alans bronze medalist, 2019 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2019 79 KG Kadyrov Cup champion, 2020 79 KG Yarygin 5th place finisher, 2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament bronze medalist, 2018 79 KG Korkin champion, 2021 74 KG Oleg Dukanov Memorial Tournament bronze medalist, 2021 79 KG Macedonian Pearl Tournament champion, 2011 74 KG Yarygin runner-up. Key Wins: Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2016 74 KG Yarygin, 2012 74 KG Kadyrov Cup), Magomed Ramazanov (2018 79 KG Tbilisi GP), Adam Khasiev (2019 79 KG Kadyrov Cup), Magomed Mutalibov (2019 79 KG Kadyrov Cup), Amkhad Tashukhadzhiev (2019 79 KG Kadyrov Cup), Adam Anzorov (2019 79 KG Kadyrov Cup), Jumber Kvelashvili (2018 79 KG Korkin finals), Ibragim Yusubov (2018 79 KG Korkin), Rashid Kurbanov (2018 79 KG Tbilisi GP), Avtandil Kentchadze (2018 79 Kg Tbilisi GP), Azret Ulimbashev (2020 79 KG Yarygin), Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament), Magomed Magomaev (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament), Bolat Sakaev (2017 74 KG Dan Kolov finals, 2017 74 KG Yarygin), Khetag Tsabolov (2017 74 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Dmitri Zainidinov (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals, 2020 79 KG Yarygin, 2019 79 KG Semenov Cup), Malik Shavaev (2019 79 KG Semenov Cup finals), Denis Tsargush (2013 Russian nationals quarter-finals), Irbek Farniev (2013 74 KG Russian Nationals), Boris Makoev (2013 74 KG Russian Nationals), Atsamaz Sanokaev (2013 74 KG Russian Nationals finals, 2019 KG Semenov Cup), Jabrayil Hasanov (2016 74 KG Bundesliga, 2014 74 KG Kadyrov Cup), Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (2016 74 KG Bundesliga, 2015 74 KG Ramzan Kadyrov Cup), Magomed Ramazanov (2015 74 KG Kadyrov Cup bronze medal match), Kamal Malikov (2014 74 KG Kadyrov Cup finals, 2014 74 KG Yarygin, 2013 74 KG Yarygin), Stanislav Khachirov (2014 74 KG Kadyrov Cup), Muslim Dadaev (2014 74 KG Kadyrov Cup), Soner Demirtas (2016 74 KG Bundesliga), Gadzhi Gadzhiev (2013 74 KG Yarygin), Frank Chamizo (2016 74 KG Bundesliga), Arsalan Budazhapov (2016 74 KG Russian Nationals repechage), Ashrab Geriev (2016 74 KG Ali Aliyev), Yakup Shikhdzhamalov (2016 74 KG Ali Aliyev, 2017 74 KG Russian Nationals repechage rd2), Khabib Batyrov (2016 74 KG Yarygin), Gadzhi Nabiev (2016 74 KG Yarygin, 2017 74 KG Yarygin), Tazhidin Akaev (2015 74 KG Kadyrov Cup), Rasul Tikhaev (2015 74 KG Ali Aliyev bronze medal match), Akzhurek Tanatarov (2015 74 KG Ali Aliyev), Alan Zaseev (2015 74 KG Russian Nationals repechage), Evgheni Lapshov (2015 74 KG Russian Nationals repechage), Radik Valiev (2019 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match, 2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad), Alibek Akbaev (2013 74 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Gadzhi Gadzhiev (2013 74 KG Yarygin, 2012 74 KG Kadyrov Cup), Khabil Khashpakov (2018 79 KG Russian Nationals), Alexei Sabidaev (2018 79 KG Russian Nationals), Khalil Aminov (2019 79 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Yusup Khadzhi Aidaev (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament bronze medal match), Sadegh Goudarzi (2006 74 KG Junior World finals), Kamal Malikov (20212 74 KG Kadyrov Cup), Akhmed Usmanov (2019 79 KG Alans semifinals), Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (2021 74 KG Oleg Dukanov Memorial Tournament bronze medal match, 2018 74 KG Alans), Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (2018 74 KG Alans bronze medal match), Alan Zaseev (2016 74 KG Sargsyan Cup finals), Key Losses: Atsamaz Sanakoev (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2016 74 KG Russian Nationals, 2014 74 KG Yarygin, 2020 79 KG Russian Nationals RD16, 2019 79 KG Russian Nationals), Dmitri Zainidinov (2022 79 KG Yarygin), Aniuar Geduev (2015 74 KG Russian Nationals, 2013 74 KG Yarygin), Zaur Makiev (2016 74 KG Yarygin), Narsingh Yadav (2013 74 KG World championships), Arsalan Budazhapov (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament bronze medal match), Khalil Aminov (2020 79 KG Yarygin bronze medal match, 2019 79 KG Alans finals match), Magomed Ramazanov (2020 79 KG Yarygin semifinals), Denis Tsargush (2016 74 KG Russian Nationals), Muslim Dadaev (2015 74 KG Kadyrov Cup semifinals), Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (2015 74 KG Ali Aliyev, 2015 74 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match, 2014 74 KG Ali Aliyev RD 16, 2014 74 KG Yarygin, 2017 74 KG Yarygin semifinals, 2011 74 KG Kadyrov Cup), Aligadzhi Gamidgadzhiev (2011 74 KG Medved), Zaurbek Sidakov (2018 74 KG Yarygin semifinals), Gadzhi Gadzhiev (2014 74 KG Russian Nationals rd 16), Gabor Hatos (2009 74 KG European Championships; competed for Slovakia), Andrew Howe (2011 74 KG Baku GGP), David Taylor (2015 74 KG Sargsyan Cup finals), Gadzhi Nabiev (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals), Alan Zaseev (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Khusey Suyunchev (2018 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2018 79 KG President Cup of Buryatia semifinals), Magomed Magomaev (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Nikita Suchkov (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals repechage rd1), Rashid Kurbanov (2019 79 KG Ali Aliev), Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad semifinals), Magomed Abdulkadyrov (2021 74 KG Oleg Dukanov Memorial Tournament), Saba Khubezhty (2011 74 KG Yarygin finals), Radik Valiev (2022 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Khalid Yakhiev (2022 79 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Avtandil Kentchadze (2018 74 KG Alans).

#8 Nikita Suchkov-2017 74 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2018 74 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2020 74 KG Russian Nationals 5th place finisher, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2016 74 KG Junior World bronze medalist, 2016 74 KG Junior Russian Nationals champion, 2018 74 KG Korkin champion, 2019 74 KG U23 European Champion, 2019 74 KG Ali Aliev 5th place finisher, 2019 74 KG Korkin runner-up, 2020 74 KG Yarygin 5th place finisher, 2021 74 KG Yarygin runner-up, 2021 74 KG Oleg Dukanov Memorial champion, 2017 74 KG President Cup of Buryatia champion, 2017 79 KG Dave Schultz Memorial bronze medalist, 2019 74 KG Russian Nationals 5th, 2021 74 KG Russian Nationals 16th place, 2023 79 KG Yarygin 5th place finisher, Key Wins: Akhsarbek Gulaev (2019 74 KG U23 European Championships), Kakhaber Khubezhty (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Zaurbek Sidakov (2016 74 KG Junior Russian Nationals finals), Frank Chamizo (2018 74 KG Korkin finals), Aznaur Tavaev (2021 74 KG Oleg Dukanov Memorial), Darsam Dzhaparov (2021 74 KG Ali Aliyev, 2021 74 KG Oleg Dukanov Memorial, 2018 74 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Atsamaz Sanakoev (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals), Khalil Aminov (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals), Adam Khasiev (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals), Magomed Abdulkadyrov (2021 74 KG Oleg Dukanov Memorial finals, 2021 74 KG Yarygin), Saipulla Alibulatov (2021 74 KG Ali Aliev finals), Khamzat Eldarov (2021 74 KG Yarygin), Ruslan Bogatyrev (2021 74 KG Yarygin), Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (2018 74 KG Russian Nationals qualification round, 2020 74 KG Yarygin quarterfinals), Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2018 74 KG Russian Nationals RD32, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Khabib Magomedov (2018 74 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Akhmed Usmanov (2019 74 KG Russian Nationals repechage), Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (2023 79 KG Yarygin quarterfinals) Key Losses: Magomed Magomaev (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (2016 74 KG Yarygin qualification round), Darsam Dzhaparov (2019 74 KG Ali Aliev), Magomed Kurbanaliev (2019 74 KG Russian Nationals, 2019 74 KG Ali Aliev bronze medal match), Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (2019 74 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match, 2020 74 KG Yarygin, 2021 74 KG Russian Nationals, 2022 74 KG Yarygin qualification round, 2015 70 KG Yarygin), Nadirbek Khizriev (2019 74 KG Korkin finals), Aznaur Tavaev (2021 74 KG Yarygin finals), Khetag Tsabolov (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals, 2017 74 KG Yarygin, 2018 74 KG Russian Nationals semifinals, 2020 74 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (2018 74 KG Alans), Matt Brown (2017 79 KG Dave Schultz Memorial Invitational), Radik Valiev (2022 79 KG All-Russian Spartakiad qualification round, 2022 79 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Malik Shavaev (2022 79 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament bronze medal match), Ahmad Bazrigaleh (2016 74 KG Junior World championships), Martin Obst (2015 74 KG Ziolkowski quarterfinals), Atsamaz Sanakoev (2016 74 KG Korkin finals), Razambek Zhamalov (2019 74 KG U23 Russian Nationals, 2020 74 KG Russian Nationals), Timur Bizhoev (2020 74 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Andrei Karpach (2017 74 KG U23 European Championships),

#6 Azret Ulimbashev-2021 79 KG Ali Aliev 5th place finisher, 2017 74 Kg President Cup of Buryatia bronze medalist, 2019 79 KG President Cup of Buryatia bronze medalist, 2019 79 KG Medved bronze medalist, 2021 79 KG Yarygin 5th place finisher, Key Wins: Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2021 79 KG Ali Aliev), Omarashkab Nazhmudinov (2019 79 KG Medved), Alexander Zelenkov (2019 79 KG President Cup of Buryatia), Khabil Khashpakov (2018 79 KG Alans qualification round), Amkhad Tashukhadzhiev (2020 79 KG Yarygin). Key Losses: Dmitri Zainidinov (2017 74 KG Russian Nationals qualification round, 2021 79 KG Medved qualification round), Davit Khutsishvili (2018 79 KG Ali Aliev) Rasul Tikhaev (2019 79 KG Medved), Sosuke Takatani (2017 74 KG Yarygin), Akhmed Usmanov (2019 79 KG Alans), Magomedmurad Dadaev (2021 79 KG Ali Aliev bronze medal match), Atsamaz Sanakoev (2021 79 KG Ali Aliev, 2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament), Magomednabi Magomedov (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament), Gadzhi Nabiev (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Dauren Kurugliev (2018 86 KG President Cup of Buryatia), Uitemen Orgodol (2018 86 KG President Cup of Buryatia), Radik Valiev (2019 79 KG President Cup of Buryatia), Nikita Suchkov (2017 74 KG President Cup of Buryatia semifinals), Kakhaber Khubezhty (2020 79 KG Yarygin)

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Dark Horses

 Dibir Magomedov- 2023 79 KG Russian University Nationals champion. Key Wins: Ali Tsokaev (2023 79 KG Russian University Nationals finals). Key Losses: N/A

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#9 Begkhan Misrikhanov-2020 74 KG Junor NCFD champion, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals 5th place finisher, 2022 79 KG Ali Aliev runner-up, 2022 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament bronze medalist, 2023 79 KG Ali Aliev runner-up. Key Wins: Musa Baziev (2023 79 KG Ali Aliev), Ali Tsokaev (2023 79 KG Ali Aliev), Alan Kudzoev (2020 74 KG Junior NCFD finals), German Ustinov (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals). Key Losses: Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (2022 79 KG Ali Aliev finals), Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2023 79 KG Ali Aliev finals, 2023 79 KG Yarygin), Khalid Yakhiev (2022 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament semifinals), Malik Shavaev (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals semifinals), Radik Valiev (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match).

 Khalid Yakhiev- 2019 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2020 79 KG Yarygin bronze medalist, 2022 79 KG U23 Russian Nationals champion, 2022 79 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny bronze medalist, 2021 79 KG U23 European Championships runner-up. Key Wins: Artur Bichenov (2019 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2020 79 KG Yarygin), Ernak Kardanov (2019 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Khusey Suyunchev (2019 79 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Radik Valiev (2020 79 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Magomed Magomaev (2022 79 KG U23 Russian Nationals finals), Kakhaber Khubezhty (2022 79 Kg 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Key Losses: Ali Tsokaev (2023 79 KG Russian Nationals), Gadzhi Nabiev (2019 79 KG Russian Nationals), Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (2020 79 KG Yarygin), Ramazan Sari 92021 79 KG U23 European Championships finals), Radik Valiev (2022 79 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Tazhidin Akaev (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals qualification round).

#10 Idar Khatanov- 2021 74 KG Junior Russian Nationals champion, 2021 74 KG Junior World Championships 5th place finisher, 2023 79 KG Degi Bagaev Memorial Champion. Key Wins: Musa Baziev (2023 79 KG Degi Bagaev Memorial Finals), Magomed Abdulkadyrov (2021 74 KG Junior Russian Nationals), Soslanbek Budaev (2021 74 KG Junior Russian Nationals finals). Key Losses: Keegan O’Toole (2021 74 KG Junior World Championships semifinals), Turan Bayramov (2021 74 Kg Junior World Championships bronze medal match), Vasil Diakonu (2023 74 KG Yarygin qualification round), Arsen Khaladaev (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals qualification round).

The Breakdown

 On the top bracket, #1 Akhmed Usmanov faces his first test of the tournament in the round of 16 against the winner of a battle between 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalists #5 Kakhaber Khubezhty and Khalid Yakhiev. I have Khubezhty winning the match to face Usmanov which Usmanov will win to make the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, I see Usmanov facing off against returning 5th place finisher #9 Begkhan Misrikhanov to make the semifinals. On the bottom half of the top bracket, 2019 Senior World bronze medalist Gadzhi Nabiev and three-time Russian Nationals bronze medalist #8 Nikita Suchkov is the match to watch, where I see Nabiev beating Suchkov. In the semifinals, I have #1 Akhmed Usmanov beating Gadzhi Nabiev to make his third Russian Nationals finals.

 The bottom half of the bracket is set for a showdown between returning national runner-up #4 Magomed Magomaev and Yarygin champion #2 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev. Alikhmaev’s toughest match on his path to Magomaev will be his round of 16 match against Degi Bagaev Memorial champion #10 Idar Khatanov. Similar to Alikhmaev, Magomaev toughest test will be in his round of 16 match against 2022 74 KG Yusup Abdusalamov Tournament champion Kasum Kasumov. I see both men prevailing in these tests to face each other in the semis where Magomaev will prevail.

2023 79 KG Russian Nationals Predictions

GOLD: #1 Akhmed Usmanov over #4 Magomed Magomaev

BRONZE: Gadzhi Nabiev over #5 Kakhaber Khubezhty

BRONZE: #2 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev over Kasum Kasumov