2023 86 KG Russian Nationals Preview

Day three of Russian Nationals goes down tomorrow and the weights that compete are 86 KG and 92 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 86 kilogram weight class led by three time World/Olympic bronze medalist #1 Artur Naifonov. 2022 Russian Nationals runner-up #2 Amanulla Rasulov is out with injury, Yarygin bronze medalist #5 Omar Ziyautdinov is competing up at 92 KG.

Title Contenders

#1 Artur Naifonov- 2016 84 KG Junior Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2017 84 KG Junior Russian Nationals champion, 2017 84 KG Junior World Champion 2017 86 KG Semenov Cup bronze medalist, 2017 86 KG Sargsyan Cup champion, 2017 86 KG Alans champion, 2018 86 KG bronze, 2018 86 KG Dan Kolov Memorial Champion, 2018 86 KG European Champion, 2018 86 KG Russian Nationals runner-up, 2018 92 KG Korkin Tournament champion, 2018 86 KG U23 World runner-up, 2019 86 KG Ali Aliev champion, 2019 86 KG Russian Nationals champion, 2019 86 KG Ziolkowski champion, 2019 86 KG Senior World bronze medalist, 2019 86 KG Military World Games champion, 2020 86 KG European champion, 2020 86 KG Russian Nationals runner-up, 2021 86 KG Russian Nationals champion, 2021 86 KG European champion, 2020 86 KG Olympic bronze medalist, 2021 86 KG Senior World bronze medalist, 2021 86 KG Military World Champion, 2022 86 KG Russian Nationals Champion, 2022 86 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament champion, 2022 86 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament champion, 2019 86 KG Ali Aliev champion, 2022 86 KG Korkin runner-up, 2022 86 KG Soslan Andiev Memorial Tournament champion Key Wins: Azamat Dauletbekov (2021 86 KG Senior World bronze medal match, 2022 86 KG PWL 3 showcase match), Vladislav Valiev (2017 86 KG Alans finals, 2018 86 KG Dan Kolov, 2019 86 KG Russian Nationals finals, 2022 86 KG second Ivan Poddubny finals), Shamil Kudiyamagomedov (2018 86 KG Dan Kolov, 2018 86 KG European Championships), Javrail Shapiev (2020 86 KG Olympic bronze medal match, 2019 86 KG World Championships RD16, 2019 86 KG Ali Aliev), Zelimkhan Minkailov (2018 86 KG Russian Nationals), Alik Shebzukhov (2018 86 KG Russian Nationals), Soslan Ktsoev (2019 86 KG Russian Nationals), Zaur Makiev (2020 86 KG Russian Nationals, 2022 86 KG Soslan Andiev Memorial Tournament finals), Piotr Ianulov (2019 86 KG World Championships RD32), Akhmed Dudarov (2019 86 KG Military World Games finals), Myles Amine (2021 86 KG European Championships, 2020 86 KG European Championships finals, 2019 86 KG Senior World championships), Fatih Erdin (2018 86 KG European Championships), Yurieski Torreblanca (2018 86 KG Yarygin), Alikhan Zhabrailov (2018 86 KG Yarygin), Dauren Kurugliev (2018 86 KG Yarygin, 2019 86 KG Ali Aliev finals, 2021 86 KG Russian Nationals finals, 2021 86 KG Russian Nationals wrestle-off’s, 2020 86 KG Yarygin finals, 2022 86 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Finals), Magomed Ramazanov (2019 86 KG Russian Nationals, 2021 86 KG Russian Nationals semifinals), Magomedsharif Biyakaev (2020 86 KG Russian Nationals), Amanulla Rasulov (2022 86 KG Russian Nationals finals), Malik Shavaev (2022 86 KG All-Russian Spartakiad finals), Alexande Gostiev (2017 86 KG Alans), Batyrbek Tsakulov (2017 86 KG Alans), Murad Suleymanov (2018 86 KG U23 World’s), Slavik Naniev (2022 86 KG All-Russian Spartakiad, 2022 86 KG Russian Nationals), Arsenali Musalaliev (2022 86 KG Russian Nationals, 2020 86 KG Russian Nationals semifinals, 2020 86 KG Yarygin semifinals, 2019 86 KG Ali Aliev semifinals), Khabil Khashpakov (2021 86 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), Zahid Valencia (2017 84 KG Junior World finals) Key Losses: Vladislav Valiev (2022 86 KG Korkin), Arsenali Musalaliev (2016 84 KG Russian Nationals semifinals), Hassan Yazdani Charati (2019 86 KG World Championships, 2020 86 KG Olympics, 2021 86 KG Senior World championships), David Taylor (2018 86 KG Yarygin semifinals), Shamil Kudiyamagomedov (2017 86 KG Russian Nationals), Soslan Ktsoev (2017 86 KG Russian Nationals), Zaur Makiev (2017 86 KG Semenov Cup), Slavik Naniev (2018 86 KG Alans), Kamran Ghasempour (2018 86 KG U23 World finals), Dauren Kurugliev (2018 86 KG Russian Nationals finals, 2020 86 KG Russian Nationals).

Medal Contenders

 #3 Malik Shavaev- 2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament 5th place finisher, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals champion, 2022 79 KG Yarygin runner-up, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals champion, 2022 86 KG All-Russian Spartakiad runner-up, 2022 86 KG International Khasavyurt Tournament runner-up, 2019 79 KG Semenov Cup runner-up, 2019 79 KG Intercontinental Cup 5th place finisher, 2019 79 KG Sargsyan Cup runner-up, 2019 79 KG Ali Aliev 5th place finisher. Key Wins: Akhmed Usmanov (2021 79 Kg Russian Nationals, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2022 79 KG Yarygin), Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (2022 79 KG Yarygin, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals), Ernak Kardanov (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals, 2019 79 KG Ali Aliev quarterfinals), Dmitri Zainidinov (2022 79 KG Yarygin semifinals, 2018 79 KG Semenov Cup qualification round), Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament), Radik Valiev (2021 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Magomed Magomaev (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Begkhan Misrikhanov (2022 79 KG Russian Nationals), Dauren Kurugliev (2022 86 KG All-Russian Spartakiad), Omar Ziyautdinov (2022 86 KG All-Russian Spartakiad). Key Losses: Akhmed Usmanov (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament bronze medal match), Atsamaz Sanakoev (2021 79 KG Umakhanov Tournament, 2019 79 KG Intercontinental Cup qualification round, 2018 79 KG Intercontinental Cup RD16, 2020 79 KG Yarygin qualification round), Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (2022 86 KG Russia Cup), Nika Kentchadze (2021 79 KG European Championships quarterfinals), Arsenali Musalaliev (2022 86 KG International Khasavyurt Tournament), Kamil Isaev (2019 79 KG Sargsyan Cup finals), Khalil Aminov (2018 79 KG Alans qualification round, 2018 79 KG Semenov Cup, 2020 79 KG Russian Nationals RD16), Magomed Mutalibov (2019 79 KG Intercontinental Cup bronze medal match), Radik Valiev (2022 79 KG Yarygin finals, 2021 79 KG Russian Nationals wrestle-off’s finals, 2018 79 KG Semenov Cup bronze medal match, 2019 79 KG Russian Nationals RD32), Magomed Ramazanov (2019 79 KG Ali Aliev semifinals, 2020 79 KG Yarygin qualification round), Isa Shapiev (2019 79 KG Ali Aliev bronze medal match), Ernak Kardanov (2019 79 KG Alans qualification round).

 #4 Arslan Bagaev (RUS)- 2022 86 KG U23 Russian Nationals runner-up, 2023 86 KG Yarygin champion, 2019 80 KG Cadet World runner-up, 2021 86 KG Junior European Champion, 2018 75 KG U15 European Champion. Key Wins: Arsenali Musalaliev (2023 86 KG Yarygin semifinals), Omar Ziyautdinov (2023 86 KG Yarygin qualification round), Ruslan Chertkoev (2023 86 KG Yarygin finals). Key Losses: Azamat Dauletbekov (2023 86 KG PWL 4), Amanulla Rasulov (2022 86 KG U23 Russian Nationals finals), Amirhossein Firouzpour (2019 80 KG Cadet World finals), Omar Ziyautdinov (2021 86 KG Umakhanov Tournament qualification round), Slavik Naniev (2022 86 KG Russian Nationals), Artur Naifonov (2022 86 KG Russian Nationals).

#6 Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS)- 2016 86 KG Yarygin 2nd, 2015 Junior world championships 3rd, 2016 86 KG Ali Aliev 3rd, 2016 86 KG Junior world championships gold medalist, 2017 86 KG Dave Schultz Memorial Champ, 2017 86 KG U-23 Euro bronze, 2017 Russian Nationals Bronze medalist, 2018 86 KG U23 European Champion, 2018 86 KG Korkin champion, 2018 86 KG Ali Aliev bronze medalist, 2018 86 KG Semenov Cup champion, 2018 86 KG Intercontinental Cup champion, 2019 86 KG U23 European Champion, 2019 86 KG Ali Aliyev 5th place finisher, 2019 86 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2019 86 KG Intercontinental Cup runner-up, 2019 86 KG Semenov Cup champion, 2020 86 KG Yarygin bronze medalist, 2020 86 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2022 86 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2021 86 KG Medved bronze medalist, 2022 86 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament bronze medalist, 2022 86 KG Semenov Cup bronze medalist Key Wins: Dauren Kurugliev (2016 Yarygin, 2017 Russian Nationals), Muslim Dadaev(2017 Russian Nationals), Alikhan Zhabrailov(2017 Russian Nationals) Akhmed Magomedov(2016 Yarygin), Magomedghadsi Khatiyev(2016 Ali Aliev), Osman Gocen(2016 Junior World Finals), Dzianis Khramiankou(2016 Junior Worlds), Akhmed Magomedov (2017 Yarygin), Richard Perry (2017 Dave Schultz Memorial Invitational), Pat Downey (2017 Dave Schultz Memorial Invitational), Gwan Uk Kim (2017 Dave Schultz Memorial Invitational), Zahid Valencia (2015 84 KG Junior World Championships), Javrail Shapiev (2021 86 KG Umakhanov Tournament qualification round, 2019 86 KG Shikhsaidov Tournament finals), Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (2020 86 KG Russian Nationals), Malik Shavaev (2022 86 KG International Khasvyurt Tournament finals), Gadzhi Radzhabov (2018 86 KG Intercontinental Cup), Soslan Ktsoev (2019 86 KG Intercontinental Cup, 2018 86 KG Semenov Cup), Zelimkhan Minkailov (2019 86 KG Intercontinental Cup), Magomedsharif Biyakaev (2020 86 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match, 2019 86 KG Intercontinental Cup semifinals), Slavik Naniev (2018 86 KG Intercontinental Cup finals, 2022 86 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match, 2019 86 KG Intercontinental Cup RD16), Khabil Khashpakov (2020 86 KG Yarygin), Uitemen Orgodol (2020 86 KG Yarygin), Tamerlan Tapsiev (2019 86 KG Semenov Cup finals), Radik Nartikoev (2018 86 KG Alans), Ada Bagomedov (2022 86 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Tazhidin Akaev (2022 86 KG International Khasvyurt Tournament semifinals), Azamat Zakuev (2017 86 KG Russian Nationals), Batyrbek Tsakulov (2016 86 KG Junior Russian Nationals finals), Artur Naifonov (2016 86 KG Junior Russian Nationals semifinals), Key Losses: Dauren Kurugliev (2016 86 KG Ali Aliyev, 2022 86 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Mojitaba Goleij (2015 86 KG Junior world championships), Shamil Kudiyamagomedov (2016 86 KG Yarygin, 2015 86 KG Russian Nationals), Murad Suleymanov (2016 86 KG Alrosa Cup), Alexander Zelenkov (2017 86 KG Yarygin), Alexander Gostiev (2017 86 KG Ali Aliyev), Alikhan Zhabrailov (2017 86 KG Nusuev tournament), Kenny Courts (2018 Bill Farrell Memorial), Javrail Shapiev (2018 86 KG Ali Aliev bronze medal match, 2019 86 KG Ali Aliev), Slavik Naniev (2022 86 KG All-Russian Spartakiad qualification round), Omar Ziyautdinov (2023 86 KG Yarygin bronze medal match, 2022 86 KG Ali Aliyev), Arslan Bagaev (2023 86 KG Yarygin semifinals), Adam Anzorov (2022 92 KG North Caucasian Federal District RD 16), Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (2021 86 KG Umakhanov Tournament quarterfinals), Artur Naifonov (2022 86 KG Russian Nationals, 2020 86 KG Russian Nationals semifinals, 2020 86 KG Yarygin semifinals, 2019 86 KG Ali Aliev semifinals, 2022 86 KG Semenov Cup) Vladislav Valiev (2017 86 KG Russian Nationals, 2018 86 KG Russian Nationals, 2019 86 KG Russian Nationals, 2021 86 KG Yarygin), Magomedsharif Biyakaev (2021 86 KG Russian Nationals qualification round, 2018 86 KG Alans quarterfinals, 2021 86 KG Yarygin qualification round), Amanulla Rasulov (2021 86 KG Ali Aliev, 2022 86 KG 1st Ivan Poddubny Tournament bronze medal match), Azamat Dauletbekov (2019 86 KG Intercontinental Cup finals), Alan Zaseev (2021 86 KG Medved semifinals), Ahmad Bazrigaleh (2018 86 KG Korkin finals), Murat Erturk (2017 86 KG U23 European Championships), Tamerlan Rasuev (2015 86 KG Russian Nationals repechage rd1),

Dark Horses

 Tazhidin Akaev- 2016 74 KG Russian Nationals 5th place finisher, 2020 79 KG Russian Nationals 5th place finisher, 2019 79 KG Kunaev tournament champion, 2017 74 KG Murad Gaidarov Memorial champion, 2017 Medved 5th (86), 2016 74 KG Korkin bronze,, 2015 Intercontinental Cup 5th, 2018 79 KG Mindiashvili tournament champ, 2018 79 KG Ali Aliyev 5th, 2018 79 KG Russian University National champion, 2018 79 KG Miner’s Glory tournament runner-up, 2018 79 KG Kunaev champ, 2019 79 KG Ali Aliev 5th place finisher, 2019 79 KG Korkin champion, 2021 86 KG Yarygin bronze medalist. Key Wins: Kakahber Khubezhty (2017 74 KG Murad Gaidarov Memorial), Slavik Naniev (2021 86 KG Yarygin bronze medal match), Logan Massa (2019 79 KG Korkin), Galymzhan Usserbaev (2018 79 KG Kunaev finals), Abubakar Abakarov (2019 79 KG Korkin finals) Magomed Ramazanov (2018 79 KG Russian Nationals), Atsamaz Sanakoev (2019 79 KG Ali Aliev), Khalid Yakhiev (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals), Amanulla Rasulov (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals), Ali Savadkouhi (2018 79 KG Alans qualification match), Gadzhi Nabiev (2018 79 KG Mindiashvili Tournament), Jabrayil Hasanov (2017 74 KG Murad Gaidarov Memorial Tournament), Khusey Suyunchev (2018 79 KG Mindiashvili Tournament), Murad Suleymanov (2018 79 KG Ali Aliev), Alan Zaseev (2018 79 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Key Losses: Atsamaz Sanakoev (2018 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2018 79 KG Intercontinental Cup qualification round), Kakhaber Khubezhty (2015 74 KG Kadyrov Cup), Hassan Yazdani Charati (2016 74 KG Medved), Bekzod Abdurakhmanov (2016 74 KG Medved), Artur Bichenov (2019 70 KG Ali Aliev), Rashid Kurbanov (2019 79 KG Ali Aliev bronze medal match), Aniuar Geduev (2016 74 KG Russian Nationals), Khusey Suyunchev (206 74 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Akhmed Usmanov (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals semifinals), Gadzhi Nabiev (2020 79 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match), Dmitri Zainidinov (2020 79 KG Yarygin), Zaur Makiev (2017 86 KG Medved semifinals), Khabil Khashapakov (2022 86 KG Yarygin), Zelimkhan Minkailov (2021 86 KG Yarygin), Magomed Khizriev (2017 74 KG Ali Aliev), Magomed Ramazanov (2017 74 KG Ali Aliev bronze medal match), Amkhad Tashukhadzhiev (2018 79 KG Alans), Arsenali Musalaliev (2022 86 KG Umakhanov Tournament semifinals, 2022 86 KG Russian Nationals qualification round), Vladislav Valiev (2021 86 KG Russian Nationals), Galymzhan Usserbaev (2019 79 KG Kunaev).

 Ada Bagomedov- 2022 86 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2022 86 KG Yarygin bronze medalist. Key Wins: Arsenali Musalaliev (2022 86 KG Yarygin), Khabil Khashpakov (2022 86 KG Yarygin, 2022 86 KG Russian Nationals). Key Losses: Dauren Kurugliev (2022 86 KG Yarygin), Amanulla Rasulov (2022 86 KG Russian Nationals), Khalil Aminov (2018 79 KG Russian Nationals, 2018 79 KG Intercontinental Cup), Zelimkhan Minkailov (2019 86 KG Kadyrov Cup quarterfinals), Arsenali Musalaliev (2022 86 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament), Magomedsharif Biyakaev (2019 86 KG Alans bronze medal match), Georgi Rubaev (2019 86 KG Alans qualification round).

 Ruslan Chertkoev (RUS)- 2023 86 KG Yarygin runner-up, 2017 85 KG U15 European bronze medalist. Key Wins: Zagid Karimov (2023 86 KG Yarygin). Key Losses: Arslan Bagaev (2023 86 KG Yarygin finals), Akhmedkhan Tembotov (2017 85 KG U15 Cadet European semifinals).

The Breakdown

 The top bracket is held down by #1 Artur Naifonov who has a clear path to the semifinals. The biggest match to watch for on the top bracket is the quarterfinal between two-time 79 KG kilogram Russian Nationals champion #3 Malik Shavaev and four-time Russian Nationals bronze medalist #6 Arsenali Musalaliev. Musalaliev upset Shavaev in the finals of the 2022 Umakhanov Tournament while Shavaev was battling an injury. Knowing the level Shavaev is able to compete at when healthy, I am going with him to avenge his loss to Musalaliev to make the semifinals. In the semifinals, I see Naifonov beating Musalaliev to make his sixth Russian Nationals finals.

 On the bottom bracket, Yarygin champion #4 Arslan Bagaev is the man to beat, with his first tough match coming in the quarterfinals against 2021 U23 World rep Zagid Karimov. I have Bagaev taking it. The best matches in the bottom bracket is between 2022 Russian Nationals bronze medalist Ada Bagomedov, Tazhidin Akaev, and Yarygin runner-up #10 Ruslan Chertkoev. I see Ruslan Chertkoev beating Bagomedov in the round of 32 and beating Akaev in the round of 16 and then falling in a rematch of the Yarygin finals in the semifinals to Bagaev.

2023 86 KG Russian Nationals Predictions

GOLD: #1 Artur Naifonov over #4 Arslan Bagaev

BRONZE: #3 Malik Shavaev over Arsen Balayan

BRONZE: #10 Ruslan Chertkoev over Zagid Karimov