July 2023 International Men's Freestyle Wrestling Rankings

57 KG

Zane Richards (USA) beat 2022 Senior World runner-up #5 Thomas Gilman in two matches to win Final X. Richards returns the rankings at #6 while Gilman drops two spots to #7. Jakob Camacho (USA) took true third at Final X by forfeit over Nick Suriano (USA). 2022 61 KG Senior World Champion #2 Rei Higuchi (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Yudai Fujita (JPN). Bronze medalists at the Meiji Cup were 2021 61 KG Senior World bronze medalist Toshihiro Hasegawa (JPN) and Yuto Nishiuchi (JPN). #20 Almaz Smanbekov (KGZ) won the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament over Bekzat Almaz Uulu (KGZ). Bronze medalists at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament were Wanhao Zou (CHN) and Meirambek Kartbay (KAZ).

Two-time 61 KG U23 world champion #4 (61) Arsen Harutyunyan (ARM) cut down to 57 KG where he won the Sargsyan Cup over Giorgi Gegelashvili (GEO) and takes the #14 spot in the rankings. Bronze medalists at the Sargsyan Cup were Andrey Yatsenko (UKR) and Mukhamad Balgabay (KAZ). Andrey Yatsenko (UKR) won the Sassari City Tournament over Gary Giordimaina (MLT). #10 Ravi Kumar (IND) moved up to 61 KG for the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament and injury forfeited out with a knee injury and has been removed from the 57 KG rankings. Mahdi Khari (IRI) won the Yasar Dogu over Horst Lehr (GER) with Yusuf Demir (TUR) and Niklas Stechle (GER) taking bronze. Bekzat Almaz Uulu (KGZ) won the U23 Asian Championships over Yerassyl Mukhtaruly (KAZ) with Shubham Shubham (IND) taking bronze. Ivaylo Tisov (BUL) won the Macedonian Pearl over Aid Salahashi (MKD).

#1 Zavur Uguev (RUS) won the Russian Nationals over Artem Gobaev (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #8 Nachyn Mongush (RUS) over Amir Chamzyn (RUS) and #12 Ramiz Gamzatov (RUS) over #15 Musa Mekhtikhanov (RUS. Artem Gobaev (RUS) debuts in the rankings at #4 for beating #5 Akhmed Idrisov (RUS), #8 Nachyn Mongush (RUS), and Amir Chamzyn (RUS) to make the Russian National finals. Other notable ranked matchups from Russian Nationals included #8 Nachyn Mongush over #13 Azamat Tuskaev (RUS) in the qualification round and #12 Ramiz Gamzatov (RUS) over #16 Ramazan Abdurakhimov (RUS) in the quarterfinals. #13 Artur Chebodaev (RUS) moved up to 61 KG where he lost in the round of 32 to Said Khunkerov (RUS). 

61 KG

#8 (65) Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) beat #2 Muslim Mekhtikhanov (RUS) to win Russian Nationals. Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were Alik Khadartsev (RUS) over Kezhik Mongush (RUS) and Dinislam Takhtarov (RUS) over Dzhabrail Gairbekov (RUS). #8 (65) Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) returns to the rankings at #1 for winning Russian Nationals over #2 Muslim Mekhtikhanov (RUS). Kezhik Mongush (RUS) debuts at #6 in the rankings after finishing fifth at Russian Nationals where he upset #1 Bashir Magomedov (RUS) in the round of 32 and lost in the semifinals to #1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) and the bronze medal match to Alik Khadartsev (RUS). 2022 65 KG Ivan Poddubny Tournament champion Alik Khadartsev (RUS) debuts in the 61 KG rankings at #4 for beating #6 Kezhik Mongush (RUS) in the bronze medal match of Russian Nationals. Ali Aliyev champion #1 Bashir Magomedov (RUS) drops six spots in the rankings to #7 for his loss in the round of 32 at Russian Nationals to #6 Kezhik Mongush (RUS). 

 #5 Vito Arujau (USA) won Final X in two matches over #9 Nahshon Garrett (USA). 2021 Senior World runner-up #10 Daton Fix (USA) beat #11 Austin DeSanto (USA) 9-0 to take true third at Final X. #3 Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (KGZ) won the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament over #20 Shota Phartenadze (GEO). Bronze medalists at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament were Abdymalik Karachov (KGZ) and Emrah Ormanoglu (TUR). Emrah Ormanoglu (TUR) won the Yasar Dogu over Ali Khorramdel (IRI). Bronze medalists at the Yasar Dogu were Ahmet Duman (TUR) and Intigam Valizada (AZE). Emrah Ormanoglu (TUR) is back in the rankings at #14 for beating Dan Kolov champion #15 Recep Topal (TUR) in the Yasar Dogu semifinals.

Assylzhan Yessengaldi (KAZ) won the Sargsyan Cup over Ali Kokoluhi (IRI). Bronze medalists at the Sargsyan Cup were Georgi Vangelov (BUL) and Mezhlum Mezhlumyan (ARM). Marat Bazarbayev (KAZ) won the Sassari City Tournament over Kamil Kerymov (UKR). Mohit Kumar (IND) won the U23 Asian Championships over Ossimzhan Dastanbek (KAZ) with Dashtseren Purvee (MGL) taking bronze. Vladimir Egorov (MKD) won the Macedonian Pearl over Besir Alili (MKD) with Stilyan Aliev (BUL) taking bronze. Rin Sakamoto (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Hayato Fujita (JPN). Bronze medalists at the Meiji Cup were Kaito Morita (JPN) and Kosei Ide (JPN). 

65 KG

#3 Shamil Mamedov (RUS) won the Russian Nationals over #9 Ibragim Ibragimov (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were Dzhambulat Kizinov (RUS) over Dyazi Isaev (RUS) and #15 Gadzhimurad Omarov (RUS) over Dalgat Abdulkadyrov (RUS). #9 Ibragim Ibragimov (RUS) moves up four spots to #5 for beating #5 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS) in the semifinals of Russian Nationals. Dalgat Abdulkadyrov (RUS) enters the rankings at #16 for beating #17 Danil Kharchilava (RUS) and #18 Ramazan Bagavudinov (RUS) on his way to taking fifth at Russian Nationals. Abdulkadyrov’s losses at Russian Nationals were to #3 Shamil Mamedov (RUS) and #15 Gadzhimurad Omarov (RUS). Dzhambulat Kizinov (RUS) returns to the rankings at #19 for taking bronze at Russian Nationals and winning U23 Russian Nationals last year over 2021 U23 World runner-up Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (RUS) and 2022 Russian Nationals bronze medalist #20 Aripgadzhi Abdulaev (RUS). Aripgadzhi Abdulaev (RUS) is back in the rankings at #20 for making the quarterfinals of Russian Nationals after an 11-0 win over Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (RUS) in the round of 16.

#18 Nick Lee (USA) moves up ten spots to #8 after beating #7 Yianni Diakomihalis (USA) in two matches to win Final X. Diakomihalis falls two spots to #9 for his loss to Lee. Taking true third at Final X was 2020 Olympic Trials runner Joey McKenna (USA) over Matthew Kolodzik (USA). #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (MGL) won the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament over Alibek Osmonov (KGZ). Bronze medalists at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament were Ikromzhon Khadzhimuradov (KGZ) and #11 Abdulmazhid Kudiev (TJK). #11 Abdulmazhid Kudiev won the U23 Asian Championships over Aden Sakybaev (KGZ) with Akbar Kurbanov (KAZ) taking bronze.

#2 Takuto Otoguro (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over #14 Ryoma Anraku (JPN). Bronze medalists at the Meiji Cup were Kaiki Yamaguchi (JPN) and Kaito Morikawa (JPN). Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM) won the Sargsyan Cup over Mikyay Salim Naim (BUL). Bronze medalists at the Sargsyan Cup were Peiman Biabani (IRI) and Luka Janezashvili (GEO). Mohammad Shakeri (IRI) won the Yasar Dogu over Cavit Acar (TUR) with Ziraddin Bayramov (AZE) and Rashid Babazade (AZE) taking bronze. Ayub Musaev (BEL) won the Sassari City Tournament over Real Woods (USA) with Yaroslav Hurskyy (UKR) taking bronze. Endrio Avdyli (ALB) won the Macedonian Pearl over Muhamed Feruki (MKD) with Egzhon Xzhoni (KOS) taking bronze. 

70 KG

#4 Evgheni Zherbaev (RUS) won the Russian Nationals over #5 Inalbek Sheriev (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were Aznaur Tavaev (RUS) over #20 Zagir Shakhiev (RUS) and #8 Kurban Shiraev (RUS) over Arpak Sat (RUS). #3 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS) did not compete at Russian Nationals. Aznaur Tavaev (RUS) makes a triumphant return to the rankings at #5 for posting wins over #6 Konstantin Kaprynov (RUS) and #10 Khabib Zavurbekov (RUS) to make the semifinals of Russian Nationals. #20 Zagir Shakhiev (RUS) moves up eight spots to #12 for upsetting #11 Sarmat Bestaev (RUS) in the qualification round of Russian Nationals. #4 Evgheni Zherbaev (RUS) moves up two spots to #2 for beating #3 Inalbek Sheriev (RUS), #5 Aznaur Tavaev (RUS), and #12 Zagir Shakhiev (RUS) to win Russian Nationals. #5 Inalbek Sheriev (RUS) moves up two spots to #3 for beating four past Russian Nationals medalists in #6 Kurban Shiraev (RUS), Ruslan Zhendaev (RUS), Abdulla Akhmedov (RUS), and Arpak Sat (RUS) to make the Russian National finals. 

#1 Taishi Narikuni (JPN) competed in greco at the 67 KG division at the Meiji Cup. Nairkuni was tech falled in the semifinals by Katsuaki Endo (JPN) and took bronze over Yuji Uegaki (JPN). Orozobek Toktomambetov (KGZ) won the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament over Syrbaz Talgat (KAZ). Bronze medalists at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament were #2 Ernazar Akmataliev (KGZ) and Servet Coskun (IND). #2 Ernazar Akmtaliev (KGZ) drops nine spots in the rankings to #11 for losing in the semifinals of the Bishkek Ranking Series to Syrbaz Talgat (KAZ). Syrbaz Talgat (KAZ) enters the rankings at #10 for beating #2 Ernazar Akmataliev (KGZ) in the semifinals of the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament. Orozobek Toktomambetov (KGZ) debuts in the rankings at #9 for beating #10 Syrbaz Talgat (KAZ) to win the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament. 

#9 Orozobek Toktomambetov (KGZ) won the U23 Asian Championships over Mustafa Akhmedov (TJK). Bronze medalists at the U23 Asian Championships were Nodir Rakhimov (UZB) and Abhimanyou (IND) and Abhimanyou (IND). Arman Andreasyan (ARM) won the Sargsyan Cup over Murat Dzhapukov (KAZ). Bronze medalists at the Sargsyan Cup were Maxim Sacultan (MDA) and Oleksii Boruta (UKR). Igor Nykyforuk (UKR) won the Sassari City Tournament over Ivan Kusiak (UKR) with Stone Lewis (CAN) taking bronze. Fati Vejseli (NMK) won the Macedonian Pearl over Coman Stefan (ROM) with Carlos Rebassa (ESP) taking bronze. Yoshinosuke Aoyagi (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Keiji Watanbe (JPN). Bronze medalists at the Meiji Cup were Kanata Yamaguchi (JPN) and Toki Ogawa (JPN). Magomed Bashir Khaniev (AZE) won the Yasar Dogu over Ali Abbas Rezaei (IRI). Bronze medalists at the Yasar Dogu were Heydar Yavuz (TUR) and Kevin Henkel (GER). 2022 Senior World silver medalist #15 Zain Retherford (USA) won Final X in a two match series over #16 Tyler Berger (USA). Sammy Sasso (USA) returns to the rankings at #17 for beating #13 Alec Pantaleo (USA) for true third at Final X. #13 Alec Pantaleo (USA) falls five spots to #18 for his loss to #17 Sammy Sasso (USA) in the true third match at Final X.

74 KG

#11 Cherman Valiev (RUS) won the Russian Nationals over #9 Timur Bizhoev (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #10 David Baev (RUS) over #7 (70) Anzor Zakuev (RUS) and #19 Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (RUS) over #17 Imam Ganishov (RUS). #11 Cherman Valiev (RUS) moves up four spots to #7 for winning Russian Nationals. #19 Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (RUS) moves up three spots to #16 for taking bronze at Russian Nationals after beating #17 Imam Ganishov (RUS) for bronze. #7 (70) Anzor Zakuev (RUS) makes his debut in the 74 KG rankings at #15 off the strength of past wins over #16 Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (RUS), #7 Cherman Valiev (RUS), and #8 (70) Israil Kasumov (RUS).

#3 Kyle Dake (USA) won Final X over Zagreb Open champion #8 Jason Nolf (USA). Keegan O’Toole (USA) took true third at Final X over Vincenzo Joseph (USA) by forfeit. #12 Turan Bayramov (AZE) won the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament over Dzhabrail Gadzhiev (AZE). Bronze medalists at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament were Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev (AZE) and Magomet Evloev (TJK). Feng Lu (CHN) won the U23 Asian Championships over Begijohn Kuldashev (UZB). Bronze medalists at the U23 Asian Championships were Adilet Zhaparlukov (KGZ) and Iliyas Yerbolatov (KAZ). 

Daichi Takatani (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Yuto Miwa (JPN). Bronze medalists at the Meiji Cup were Masaki Sato (JPN) and Kirin Kinoshita (JPN). Vasile Diacon (MDA) won the Sargsyan Cup over Hryar Alikhanyan (ARM). Bronze medalists at the Sargsyan Cup were Amirhossein Hosseini (IRI) and #10 (70) Syrbaz Talgat (KAZ). Ramazan Ramazanov (BUL) won the Macedonian Pearl over Maxim Vasilioglu (ROU) with Nikolay Dimitrov (BUL) taking bronze. Iakub Shikhdzhamalov (ROU) won the Yasar Dogu over Mevlut Ozdemir (TUR) with Mohammad Aghaei (IRI) and Rasul Shapiev (MKD) taking bronze. Patrick Kennedy (USA) won the Sassari City Tournament over Anthony Montero (VEN) with Vadim Kurylenko (UKR) taking bronze. 

79 KG

#1 Akhmed Usmanov (RUS) won the Russian Nationals over #6 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (RUS). Taking bronze at Russian Nationals was Khalid Yakhiev (RUS) over Abdulkerim Abdulaev (RUS) and Akhmed Manilov (RUS) over Kasum Kasumov (RUS). The 79 kilogram bracket at Russian Nationals was filled with a huge amount of upsets that reflect from the upheaval of the rankings. The first upset of the tournament came in the qualification round in a battle between 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalists Khalid Yakhiev (RUS) and #12 Kakhaber Khubezhty (RUS), which was won by 10-0 tech fall by Yakhiev. The round of 16 sees #1 Akhmed Usmanov (RUS) eliminated Khalid Yakhiev (RUS) from the championship bracket with a 5-0 loss. Abdulkerim Abdulaev (RUS) upsets 2019 79 KG Senior World bronze Gadzhi Nabiev (RUS) 1-1 on criteria to make the quarterfinals. Kasum Kasumov (RUS) registers the biggest upset of the 79 kilogram bracket when he takes out returning national runner-up #8 Magomed Magomaev (RUS) 7-7. Abdulkerim Abdulaev (RUS) registered another upset in the quarterfinals over three-time Russian Nationals bronze medalist Nikita Suchkov (RUS). In the semifinals, #1 Akhmed Usmanov (RUS) beats Abdulkerim Abdulaev (RUS) and #6 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (RUS) beats Kasum Kasumov (RUS).

The bronze medal matches are themselves significant upsets for Khalid Yakhiev (RUS) over Abdulkerim Abdulaev (RUS) and Akhmed Manilov (RUS) over Kasum Kasumov (RUS). So now, it’s time to put together all the pieces of the puzzle. Abdulkerim Abdulaev (RUS) debuts in the rankings at #9 for beating Gadzhi Nabiev (RUS) and Nikita Suchkov (RUS). #19 Khalid Yakhiev (RUS) moves up eleven spots in the rankings to #8 for beating #12 Kakhaber Khubezhty (RUS) and #9 Abdulkerim Abdulaev (RUS) to take bronze. Kasum Kasumov (RUS) debuts in the 79 KG rankings at #11 for beating #8 Magomed Magomaev (RUS) in the round of 16. Akhmed Manilov (RUS) debuts in the rankings at #10 for beating #11 Kasum Kasumov (RUS) for bronze. #8 Magomed Magomaev (RUS) drops four spots to #12 for his loss to #11 Kasum Kasumov (RUS) in the round of 16 at Russian Nationals. #12 Kakhaber Khubezhty (RUS) drops eight spots to #20 for his qualification round loss to #8 Khalid Yakhiev (RUS). 2019 79 KG Senior World bronze medalist Gadzhi Nabiev (RUS) is back in the rankings at #19. With all the movement stemming from Russian Nationals, the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament, and the Sargsyan Cup, #14 Begkhan Misrikhanov (RUS), #15 Idar Khatanov (RUS), #16 Musa Baziev (RUS), #17 Dibir Magomedov (RUS), and #18 Ali Tsokaev (RUS) from the June international rankings have been removed.

#11 Chance Marsteller (USA) moves up nine spots to #2 in the world after winning Final X in a three match series against defending world champion #3 Jordan Burroughs (USA). Marsteller is able to take the #2 spot over #2 Ali Savadkouhi (IRI) due to a win over Savadkouhi at the 2022 Zouhaier Sghaier Tournament. Alex Dieringer (USA) took true third at Final X with a 2-2 win over David McFadden (USA). 

2022 U23 world champion Vladimeri Gamkrelidze (GEO) is back in the rankings at #15 for beating #16 Khidir Saipudinov (BRN) and #17 Zhiger Zakirov (KAZ) to win the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament. Bronze medalists at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament were Adilet Maratbaev (KGZ) and #17 Zhiger Zakirov (KAZ). Khidir Saipudinov (BRN) is in the rankings at #16 for winning the Sargsyan Cup over Zhiger Zakirov (KAZ). Bronze medalists at the Sargsyan Cup were #5 Vasyl Mykhailov (UKR) and Shuhrat Bazrov (TKM). Zhiger Zakirov (KAZ) is in the rankings at #17 for beating #5 Vasyl Mykhailov (UKR) in the semifinals of the Sargsyan Cup. #5 Vasyl Mykhailov drops thirteen spots to #18 for his loss to #17 Zhiger Zakirov (KAZ) in the semifinals of the Sargsyan Cup. 

Kosuke Yamakura (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Shu Yamada (JPN) with Kenshin Yamaji (JPN) and Hirotaka Abe (JPN) taking bronze. Sagar Jaglan (IND) won the U23 Asian Championships over Dulguun Altanzul (MGL) with Nurdaulet Kuanyshbay (KAZ) taking bronze. Muhammet Akdeniz (TUR) won the Yasar Dogu over Isa Demir (TUR) with Orkhan Abasov (AZE) and Ashraf Ashirov (AZE) taking bronze. Rasul Shapiev (NMK) won the Macedonian Pearl over Mihail Georgiev (BUL) with Dejan Mitrov (NMK) taking bronze. Kristzian Birzo (ROU) won the Sassari City Tournament over Denys Pavlov (UKR) with Iman Mahdavi (UWW) taking bronze. 

86 KG

#14 Arslan Bagaev (RUS) won the Russian Nationals over Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #3 Artur Naifonov (RUS) over Khaibula Gyulmagomedov (RUS) and Ada Bagomedov (RUS) over Magomedmurad Dadaev (RUS). The biggest upset of Russian Nationals occurred in the semifinals when Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) tech falled returning national champion #3 Artur Naifonov (RUS) 13-3. Another significant upset from this tournament was Khaibula Gyulmagomedov (RUS) over returning two-time 79 KG national champion #10 Malik Shavaev (RUS) in the round of 16. Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) also notched another ranked win on his way to the finals in the form of four-time Russian Nationals bronze medalist #16 Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS) in the round of 16.

The first significant change to the rankings from Russian Nationals is the removal of 2022 national runner-up #7 Amanulla Rasulov (RUS) due to inactivity. Next is the ascension of #14 Arslan Bagaev (RUS) up ten spots in the rankings to #4 for winning the Russian Nationals over Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (RUS). Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) makes a triumphant return to the 86 KG rankings at #5 for his victories over #6 Artur Naifonov (RUS) and #16 Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS) at Russian Nationals. Khaibula Gyulmagomedov (RUS) debuts in the rankings at #12 for beating #10 Malik Shavaev (RUS) in the round of 16. Shavaev drops three spots to #13 for his loss to #12 Khaibula Gyulmagomedov (RUS) at Russian Nationals.

#1 David Taylor (USA) won Final X over #11 Aaron Brooks (USA). #10 Hayato Ishiguro (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Sosuke Takatani (JPN), preventing Takatani from extending his record to 13 national titles. Bronze medalists at the Meiji Cup were 2022 U23 world champion Tatsuya Shirai (JPN) and Fumiya Igarashi (JPN). Batbilguun Naadambat (MGL) won the U23 Asian Championships over Sileng Hu (CHN) with Mukhammad Abdullaev (KGZ) taking bronze. 

Magomed Sharipov (BRN) won the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament by forfeit over #18 Abubakar Abakarov (AZE). Bronze medalists at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament were #5 Azamat Dauletbekov (KAZ) and Javrail Shapiev (UZB). The biggest result of the tournament was #18 Abubakar Abakarov’s upset over #5 Azamat Dauletbekov (KAZ) in the semifinals. 2022 92 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist Magomed Sharipov (BRN) put together his best career run with victories over 2020 86 KG Olympic 5th place finisher Javrail Shapiev (UZB) and Ibrahim Moustafa Tournament bronze medalist Tariel Gaprindashvili (GEO). #18 Abubakar Abakarov (AZE) skyrockets eleven spots up the rankings to #7 for his win over #5 Azamat Dauletbekov (KAZ). #5 Azamat Dauletbekov (KAZ) falls three spots in the rankings to #8 for his loss to #7 Abubakar Abakarov (AZE) at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament. 

Magomed Sharipov (BRN) enters the rankings at #17 for winning gold at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament with victories over Javrail Shapiev (UZB) and #20 Tariel Gaprindashvili (GEO). Javrail Shapiev (UZB) is back in the rankings at #18 for taking bronze at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament over #20 Tariel Gaprindashvili (GEO) along with victories in 2021 over #3 (92) Vladislav Valiev (RUS), #5 Azamat Dauletbekov (KAZ), Fatih Erdin (TUR), Boris Makoev (SVK), Akhmed Dudarov (GER), Magomedsharif Biyakaev (RUS).

Valentyn Babii (UKR) won the Sargsyan Cup over Eugeniu Mihalcean (MDA) with Sandro Aminashvili (GEO) and Evsem Shvelidze (GEO) taking bronze. Fatih Erdin (TUR) won the Yasar Dogu over Ismail Kucuksolak (TUR) with Lars Schaefle (GER) and Osman Gocen (TUR) taking bronze. Ilia Hristov (BUL) won the Macedonian Pearl over Domantas Pauliuscenko (LTU) with Kouklaris Aggelos (GRE) taking bronze. Alex Moore (CAN) won the Sassari City Tournament over Abe Assad (USA) with Muslim Zhaksylyk (KAZ) taking bronze. 

92 KG

#10 Vladislav Valiev (RUS) won the Russian Nationals over Tazhudin Mukhtarov (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #9 Alan Bagaev (RUS) over Mustafagadzhi Malachdibirov (RUS) and #11 Ashkab Saadulaev (RUS) over Ivan Kirillov (RUS). The biggest upset of the Russian National tournament was returning national runner-up #12 Azamat Zakuev (RUS) losing in the round of 32 to Abdulmuslim Timirbulatov (RUS). This upset win by Timirbulatov over Zakuev sets off a long string of upsets that will impact ranking placement, so pay attention. Abdulmuslim Timirbulatov (RUS) loses his next match in the round of 16 to Konstantin Pshenichnikov (RUS). Konstantin Pshenichnikov loses his quarterfinal match to 2022 Junior National champion Mustafagadzhi Malachdibirov (RUS). Finally, Malachdibirov loses in the semifinals to Tazhudin Mukhtarov (RUS).

In the aftermath of the Azamat Zakuev upset chain, this is how the weight unfolds: Zakuev drops four spots to #16, Abdulmuslim Timirbulatov (RUS) debuts in the rankings at #15 for beating Zakuev in the round of 32, Konstantin Pshenichnikov (RUS) takes the #14 spot for beating #15 Abdulmuslim Timirbulatov (RUS), and Mustafagadzhi Malachdibirov (RUS) slots in at #13 for beating #14 Konstantin Pshenichnikov (RUS) in the quarterfinals. Another important wrestler to follow is Tazhudin Mukhtarov (RUS) who used upsets over #9 Alan Bagaev (RUS) in the quarterfinals and #13 Mustafagadzhi Malachdibirov (RUS) to make the finals. For his wins over #9 Alan Bagaev and #13 Mustafagadzhi Malachdibirov (RUS), Mukhtarov returns to the rankings at #10. The other notable ranked matchup that occurred at Russian Nationals was #12 Ashkab Saadulaev (RUS) over #18 Guram Chertkoev (RUS) in the quarterfinals. 

  #10 Vladislav Valiev (RUS) moves up seven spots to #3 in the rankings for winning Russian Nationals with victories over #12 Ashkab Saadulaev (RUS) and #10 Tazhudin Mukhtarov (RUS), along with career victories over #6 (86) Artur Naifonov (RUS), #8 Osman Nurmagomedov (AZE), #4 (97) Magomed Kurbanov (RUS), 2019 97 KG world runner-up Sharif Sharifov (AZE), and #3 (86) Dauren Kurugliev (GRE). 

#2 Zahid Valencia (USA) won Final X over #3 Michael Macchiavello (USA). #5 Kollin Moore (USA) took true third at Final X over #17 Nathan Jackson (USA). Arash Yoshida (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Satoshi Miura (JPN) with Kuya Mochinaga (JPN) taking bronze. Rizabek Aitmukhan (KAZ) won the U23 Asian Championships over Stambul Zhanybek Uulu (KGZ) with Parveen Kumar (IND) taking bronze. Denys Sahaliuk (UKR) won the Sassari City Tournament by default of being the only competitor entered. 

2022 Senior World bronze medalist Miriani Maisuradze (GEO) won the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament over Gankhuyag Ganbaatar (MGL). Bronze medalists at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament were Jumabayi Aergen (CHN) and Andro Margishvili (GEO). Redzep Hajdari (NMK) won the Macedonian Pearl over Sidius Eslami (GBR) with Besliu Alexandru (ROU). Andro Margishvili (GEO) won the Sargsyan Cup over Alfes Dolidze (UKR) with Adrian Grosul (MDA) and Iuza Tsertsvadze (GEO) taking bronze. #7 Mohammad Asami (IRI) won the Yasar Dogu over Atilla Aydin (TUR) with Yunus Yildis (TUR) taking bronze.

97 KG

#2 Kyle Snyder (USA) won Final X over #5 J’den Cox (USA) by forfeit. #4 Alikhan Zhabrailov (RUS) won the Russian Nationals over #3 Magomed Kurbanov (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #11 Sergey Kozyrev (RUS) over Tamik Dzhikaev (RUS) and #18 Shamil Musaev (RUS) over Aslanbek Gazzaev (RUS). #4 Alikhan Zhabrailov (RUS) moves up one spot to #3 for beating #3 Magomed Kurbanov (RUS) in the finals of Russian Nationals.

#10 Akhmed Tazhudinov (BRN) won the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament over Awusayimam Habila (CHN) with Magomed Ibragimov (UZB) and Nursultan Azov (KAZ) taking bronze. Lukas Krausaukas (LTU) won the Macedonian Pearl over Stole Eftimov (MKD). Yunus Gafurov (KAZ) won the U23 Asian Championships over Kanybek Abddulkhairov (KGZ). Bronze medalists at the U23 Asian Championships were Sahil Sahil (IND) and Aman Wulahati (CHN). Takashi Ishiguro (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Taira Sonoda (JPN) with Keivan Yoshida (JPN) and Nariya Maruyama (JPN) taking bronze. #12 Amirali Azarpira (IRI) won the Sargsyan Cup over 2021 Senior World bronze medalist Mahamed Zakariev (UKR) with Bekzat Ukrimbay (KAZ) and Radu Lefter (MDA) taking bronze. #13 Ibragim Ciftci (TUR) won the Yasar Dogu over Mustafa Sessiz (TUR) with Erik Thiele (GER) and Abolfazi Babaloo (IRI) taking bronze. Murazi Mchedlidze (UKR) beat David Mchedlidze (UKR) to win the Sassari City Tournament with Riley Otto (CAN) taking bronze. 

125 KG

#15 Abdulla Kurbanov (RUS) won the Russian Nationals over #13 Eric Dzhioev (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #6 Alen Khubulov (RUS) over #7 Zelimkhan Khizriev (RUS) and Soslan Khinchagov (RUS) over #12 Ostap Pasenok (RUS). #15 Abdulla Kurbanov (RUS) moves up ten spots in the rankings to #5 for his victories over #6 Alen Khubulov (RUS) and #7 Zelimkhan Khizriev (RUS) to make the finals of Russian Nationals. #13 Eric Dzhioev (RUS) moves up five spots to #8 for his wins over #12 Ostap Pasenok (RUS) and Soslan Khinchagov (RUS). Soslan Khinchagov (RUS) returns to the rankings at #14 for beating #12 Ostap Pasenok (RUS) and Anzor Khizriev (RUS) at Russian Nationals. #12 Ostap Pasenok (RUS) drops three spots to #15 for losses to #8 Eric Dzhioev (RUS) and #14 Soslan Khinchagov (RUS). Although he finished in 5th place, special attention must be given to the run of #7 Zelimkhan Khizriev (RUS) at Russian Nationals, as he beat past Russian Nationals medalists Shamil Sharipov (RUS), Pavel Krivtsov (RUS), and #20 Znaur Kotsiev (RUS). 

#5 Geno Petriashvili (GEO) won the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament over Sardorbek Kholmatov (UZB). Bronze medalists at the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament were Buheerdun Buheerdun (CHN) and Zhiwei Deng (CHN). The most noticeable upset of this tournament took place in the quarterfinals when Buheerdun Buheerdun (CHN) upset 2022 Senior World runner-up #4 Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (MGL). Buheerdun was then beaten in the semifinals by eventual runner-up Sardorbek Kholmatov (UZB). #4 Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (MGL) falls five spots to #9 for his loss to Buheerdun Buheerdun (CHN).

Following the results of the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament, Buheerdun Buheerdun (CHN) competed at the U23 Asian Championships and took 5th. This placement is very important to understand the bottom half of the international rankings. In the overall placement of the U23 Asian Championships, Zyyamuhammet Saparov (TKM) beat Abylay Sovet (KAZ) for gold with Bali Sou (CAM) and Namouz Abdurashidov (UZB) taking bronze. Now here’s where the plot thickens. Buheerdun loses in the quarterfinals to Abylay Sovet (KAZ) in the quarterfinals and loses to Namouz Abdurashidov (UZB) in the bronze medal match. Tying it all together, this is how the Buheerdun problem resolves itself: Buheerdun debuts in the rankings at #19 (remember he has three losses this month that we just went over), Abylay Sovet (KAZ) debuts at #18 for beating Buheerdun in the quarterfinals of the U23 Asian Championships, Zyyamuhammet Saparov (TKM) debuts in the rankings at #17 for beating Abylay Sovet (KAZ) in the finals of the U23 Asian Championships, Sardorbek Kholmatov (UZB) debuts in the rankings at #16 for beating Buheerdun in the semifinals of the Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament after Buheerdun had upset #9 Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (MGL) in the quarters. The odd man out here is Namouz Abdurashidov (UZB) and even with his win in the bronze medal match of the U23 Asian Championships, he doesn’t quite have the resume to get in over #20 Znaur Kotsiev, who took silver last year at the 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament and gold at the Absolute Cup of Russia.

Yuri Idzinski (UKR) won the Sassari City Tournament over Salvatore Alessio Vandi (ITA). #12 Mostafa Junegani (IRI) won the Yasar Dogu over Adil Misirci (TUR) with Fatih Yasarli (TUR) taking bronze. Salar Habibi (IRI) won the Sargsyan Cup over Amin Taheri (IRI) with Solomon Manashvili (GEO) and Georgi Ivanov (BUL) taking bronze. Islam Adizov (BUL) won the Macedonian Pearl over Lior Altschuler (ISR) with Uvejs Fejzulahu (NMK) taking bronze. Taiki Yamamoto (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Yuji Fukui (JPN) with Takuto Yasuda (JPN) taking bronze.  

Pound for Pound

Chance Marsteller (USA) returns to the pound for pound rankings at #8 after winning his three match series at Final X over #9 Jordan Burroughs (USA). Marsteller also owns a win over #8 Ali Savadkouhi (IRI) from the 2022 season. Cherman Valiev (RUS) is back in the pound for pound rankings at #23 for winning 74 KG Russian Nationals and Timur Bizhoev (RUS) is back in at #25 for taking silver at 74 KG Russian Nationals. #24 Bashir Magomedov (RUS) has been removed from the pound for pound rankings for losing in the round of 32 at 61 KG Russian Nationals to #6 (61) Kezhik Mongush (RUS).