2020 Individual World Cup Preview (79-125 KG)
Photo by Omer Urer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
79 KG
Title Contenders
#1 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR)- 2017 70 KG Yarygin bronze, 2017 70 KG Yasar Dogu champion, 2017 70 KG Russian national champion, 2018 Dan Kolov bronze medalist, 2019 74 KG Sargsyan Cup champ, 2019 Medved bronze medalist, 2020 European championships champion. Key Wins: #3 (74) Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS; 2017 Russian nationals), #8 Timur Bizhoev (RUS; 2017 Yarygin), #2 Khetik Tsabolov (RUS; 2019 Stepan Sargsyan Cup), #5 (86) Magomed Ramazanov (RUS; 2020 European championships finals), #14 (74) Nikita Suchkov (RUS; 2018 Alans), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS; 2017 Yasar Dogu), #3 (70) Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL; 2017 Yasar Dogu) Key Losses: Yakup Gor (TUR; 2017 world championships), #3 (74) Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS; 2017 Yarygin), #6 Evgheni Lapshov (RUS; 2018 Russian nationals), #7 Magomed Kurbanaliev (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev), #1 (70) Cherman Valiev (RUS; 2019 Russian 70 KG Nationals), #1 (74) Razambek Zhamalov (RUS; 2019 70 KG Russian Nationals), Bekzod Abdurakhmanov (UZB; 2019 Medved).
#3 Akhmed Usmanov (RUS)- 2016 66 KG Junior world runner-up, 2018 74 KG Ali Aliyev champion, 2018 Alans bronze medalist, 2019 Ali Aliev runner-up, 2020 Russian nationals champion. Key Wins: #2 Khetik Tsabolov (RUS; 2018 74 KG Alans), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS; 2018 74 Ali Aliev finals), Alan Zaseev (RUS; 2018 74 KG Ali Aliev), #4 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (RUS; 2020 Russian nationals finals), #10 Gadzhi Nabiev (RUS; 2020 Russian nationals), #12 Tazhidin Akaev (RUS; 2020 Russian Nationals). Key Losses: #8 (74) Timur Bizhoev (RUS; 2018 Russian Nationals), #7 (74) Magomed Kurbanaliev (RUS; 2019 74 KG Russian Nationals), #14 (74) Nikita Suchkov (RUS; 2019 Russian Nationals)
Kadimagomedov has been building a very strong resume over the past two years primarily at 74 KG and has transitioned incredibly well up to 79 KG, as evident by his demolition of then top ranked Magomed Ramazanov (RUS) now ranked 5th at 86 Kilograms. Part of me really wants to side with the experience and scrambling ability of Kadimagomedov, but I think that a healthy Usmanov has the type of style to take a controlled win over the Belarusian wildman.
Medal Contenders
Rashid Kurbanov (UZB)- 2013 74 KG world bronze medalist, 2015 Grand Prix of Paris champion, 2019 Ali Aliev bronze medalist, 2016 70 KG world 5th, 2019 world 5th place finisher. Key Wins: #12 Tazhidin Akaev (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev), #9 Kakhaber Khubezhty (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev), #17 (86) Ali Shabanov (BLR; 2015 74 KG world championships). Key Losses: #4 (74) Kyle Dake (USA; 2018 Yarygin, 2019 world’s), Alan Zaseev (RUS; 2018 Yarygin), Artur Bichenov (RUS; 2019 Ali Aliev), Grigor Grigoryan (ARM: 2018 world championships)
Akhsarbek Gulaev (SVK)- 2017 74 KG U-23 world runner-up, 2x U-23 European runner-up (‘18&’19), 2020 Yasar Dogu runner-up. Key Wins: #17 (74) Giorgi Sulava (GEO; 2019 U-23 European Championships), #18 (74) Fazil Eryilmaz (TUR; 2019 U-23 European Championships), Vasyl Mykhailov (UKR; 2017 74 KG U-23 world championships). Key Losses: #14 (74) Nikita Suchkov (RUS; 2019 U-23 European championships finals), #3 (74) Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS; 2018 U-23 European championships finals), Alex Dieringer (USA; 2019 Yasar Dogu finals), #10 Gadzhi Nabiev (RUS; 2017 74 KG U-23 world championships), #19 (74) Soner Demirtas (TUR; 2018 74 KG world championships).
Vasyl Mykhailov (UKR)-2017 70 KG U-23 European championships bronze medalist, 2017 U-23 74 KG world bronze medalist, 2020 Matteo Pellicone champion, 2020 European championships bronze, 2020 International Ukrainian Tournament champion. Key Wins: Zelimkhan Khadjiev (FRA; 2017 74 KG U-23 world championships), Azamat Nurikov (BLR; 2019 74 KG European championships), Franklin Gomez Matos (PUR; 2019 74 KG International Ukrainian Tournament bronze medal match), Akhsarbek Gulaev (SVK; 2019 European Games), Maxim Vasilioglu (ROU; 2019 European Games) Key Losses: Zelimkhan Khadjiev (FRA; 2017 world championships, 2019 European championships), Zurabi Erbotsonashvili (GEO; 2019 International Ukrainian tournament), Akhsarbek Gulaev (SVK; 2017 74 KG U-23 world championships), #19 Soner Demirtas (TUR; 2019 European Games), #12 Khadzhimurad Gadziev (AZE; 2019 European Games bronze medal match)
Rashid Kurbanov should come out on top here from this tier as he looked really solid last year at the Ali Aliev and world’s. Hard to say exactly because there have been times when Kurbanov really shows his age and can’t generate offense and is slow and flat footed. But seeing as how this is 79 kilograms and not 74 kilograms he won’t have to worry about facing an absolute killer every round so I think he should fare well even given the wear and tear he has.
86 KG
Title Contenders
#3 Dauren Kurugliev (RUS)- 2017 Yarygin champ, 2017 European champ 2018 world 5th, 2018 Russian national champ, 2019 European Games champion, 2019 Yarygin champ, 2019 Ali Aliev runner-up Key Wins: #4 Artur Naifonov (RUS; 2018 Russian Nationals finals, 2020 Russian Nationals finals), #6 (92) Javad Ebrahimi (IRI; 2017 Yarygin), #12 Fatih Erdin (TUR; 2019 Yarygin Finals). Key Losses: #1 David Taylor (USA; 2018 world championships), #2 Hassan Yazdani Charati (IRI; 2018 world championships bronze medal match), #4 Artur Naifonov (RUS; 2018 Yarygin, 2019 Ali Aliev, 2019 Russian Nationals finals), #13 Zbigniew Baranowski (POL; 2019 Ziolkowski).
#7 Boris Makoev (SVK)- 2017 world runner-up, 2018 Yasar Dogu bronze medalist, 2018 medved bronze, 2020 European championships bronze. Key Wins: #2 (97) J’den Cox (USA; 2017 world championships), #9 Dato Marsagishvili (GEO; 2020 European championships), Ahmed Magamaev (BUL; 2020 European Championships), Akhmed Dudarov (GER; 2018 world’s) Key Losses: #2 Hassan Yazdani Charati (IRI; 2017 world finals), #4 Artur Naifonov (RUS; 2020 European championships), #12 Fatih Erdin (TUR; 2018 world’s), Gwan Uk Kim (KOR; 2018 world’s), Akhmed Dudarov (GER; 2019 world’s round of 32)
#13 Zbigniew Baranowski (POL)- 2017 Dan Kolov champion, 2017 Ziolkowski champion, 2018 Ziolkowski champion, 2019 92 KG European championships runner-up, 2019 Ziolkowski runner-up, 2020 Ziolkowski runner-up. Key Wins: #3 Dauren Kurugliev (RUS; 2019 Ziolkowski), #2 (92) Alikhan Zhabrailov (RUS; 2017 Kadyrov Cup), #11 Piotr Ianulov (MDA; 2018 Ziolkowski). Key Losses: #3 Dauren Kurugliev (RUS; 2018 world’s), Pat Downey (USA; 2019 world championships), #2 (97) J’den Cox (USA; 2017 world’s, 2016 Ulanbaatar OG qualifier), Sharif Sharifov (AZE; 2016 Olympics), #14 Myles Amine (SMR; 2019 European championships)
This looks like the type of field Dauren could run away with but looks are deceiving as Dauren save for some select performances has never been the one to really open up and throttle international competition, and while I don’t worry about that against someone like Makoev, it did give him trouble last year at the Ziolkowski when he lost to Baranowski. I think Kurugliev is peaking and will do fine here and win it all but there’s always that risk factor with wrestling the controlled style he does. Which to his credit he did open up more at Russian nationals and hammered #5 Magomed Ramazanov (RUS) and Magomedsharif Biikaev (RUS), both really tough guys so more than likely Kurugliev shows out here.
Medal Contenders
#14 Myles Amine (SMR)- 2019 European Games bronze medalist, 2019 world’s 5th, 2020 European championships runner-up. Key Wins: #13 Zbigniew Baranowski (POL; 2019 European Championships, 2019 European Games), Alexander Gostiev (AZE; 2019 European Games), Sosuke Takatani (JPN; 2019 world’s), #17 Ali Shabanov (BLR; 2019 World’s), #16 Rasul Tikhaev (BLR; 2020 Euros). Key Losses: #3 Dauren Kurugliev (RUS; 2019 European Games), #6 Vladislav Valiev (RUS; 2019 European championships), #12 Fatih Erdin (TUR; 2020 Matteo Pellicone invitational tournament), #2 Hassan Yazdani Charati (IRI; 2019 world championships), #4 Artur Naifonov (RUS; 2019 world championships bronze medal match, 2020 European championships finals), #17 Ali Shabanov (BLR; 2019 European championships).
Akhmed Magamaev (BUL)- 2015 Yarygin bronze medalist, 2017 Yarygin bronze medalist, 2016 Intercontinental Cup runner-up, 2020 86 KG Yasar Dogu runner-up. Key Wins: #2 (79) Jabrayil Hasanov (AZE; 2020 Yasar Dogu), #9(92) Anzor Urishev (RUS; 2016 Yarygin), Aleksandr Zelenkov (RUS; 2017 Yarygin bronze medal match). Key Losses: #7 Boris Makoev (SVK; 2020 European Championships bronze medal match), #4 Artur Naifonov (RUS; 2020 European Championships), #11 Piotr Ianulov (MDA; 2020 Cornianu memorial), Selim Yasar (TUR; 2020 86 KG Yasar Dogu finals)
#11 Piotr Ianulov (MDA)- 2020 Ziolkowski champion, 2010 World 5th, 2019 Korkin champion, 2019 European championships runner-up. Key Wins: #12 Fatih Erdin (TUR; 2019 European Championships, 2020 Ziolkowski), #13 Zbigniew Baranowski (POL; 2020 Ziolkowski), Alexander Gostiev (AZE; 2019 Korkin finals). Key Losses: #6 Vladislav Valiev (RUS; 2019 European Championships finals), #4 Artur Naifonov (RUS; 2019 World championships), Radoslaw Marcinkiewicz (POL; 2020 European wrestling championships).
#12 Fatih Erdin (TUR)- 2018 Yarygin runner-up, 2018 Tbilisi GP champ, 2019 Yarygin runner-up, 2018 world runner-up. Key Wins: #6 Vladislav Valiev (RUS; 2018 Yarygin, 2018 Tbilisi GP, 2019 Yarygin), Taimuraz Friev Naskideava (ESP; 2018 world championships), #14 Myles Amine (SMR; 2020 Matteo Pellicone). Key Losses: #1 David Taylor (USA; 2018 Yarygin finals, 2018 world finals), #4 Artur Naifonov (RUS; 2018 European Championships, 2019 Ziolkowski), Shamil Kudiyamagomedov (ITA; 2018 European Championships), Taimuraz Friev Naskideava (ESP; 2019 world championships), #9 Dato Marsagishvili (GEO; 2020 European Championships), #11 Piotr Ianulov (MDA; 2020 Ziolkowski)
Taimuraz Friev Naskideava (ESP)- 2008 Russian Nationals bronze 74 KG, 2009 Russian nationals bronze 74 KG, 2013 world 5th, 2018 world bronze. Key Wins: #19 (74) Soner Demirtas (TUR; 2019 74 KG Serbian OG qualifier), Gwan Uk Kim (KOR; 2018 world’s), #12 Fatih Erdin (TUR; 2019 World’s), Serdar Boke (TUR; 2013 world championships), #16 Rasul Tikhaev (BLR; 2018 Grand Prix of Spain finals) Key Losses: #12 Fatih Erdin (TUR; 2018 world championships), Stefan Reichmuth (SUI; 2019 world championships), Ehsan Lashgari (IRI; 2013 world championships), #12 (97) Reineris Salas Perez (CUB; 2013 world championships), Livan Lopez Azcuy (CUB; 2016 74 KG Olympics).
Akhmed Dudarov (GER)- 2019 European Games bronze medalist, 2019 Military Games runner-up, 2012 74 KG Junior world runner-up. Key Wins: #12 Fatih Erdin (TUR; 2019 European Games), Pat Downey (USA; 2019 world championships), Taimruaz Friev (ESP; 2019 European Games). Key Losses: #17 Ali Shabanov (BLR; 2019 European Games), #14 Myles Amine (SMR; 2019 world championships), #4 Artur Naifonov (RUS; 2019 World Military Games)
This is a really weird group here in that Myles had the best placement out of all of them, but Erdin is the best out of the bunch but the one who has registered the most losses within the field (Ianulov, Friev, Dudarov) but is the best in the field when he’s on par. Amine has struggled a bit this year after looking great at world’s last year beating Shabanov, Takatani, Torreblanca, and Dudarov but it’s not the type of matches that are indicative of a deficit of skill on his part so much as they are just especially difficult style match ups against Erdin, Trent Hidlay, and Artur Naifonov who beats everyone not named Taylor, Yazdani, or Kurugliev. Ianulov is in his mid 30’s but has had his best run starting last year at Euros when he pinned Erdin and this year at the Ziolkowski he beat Erdin again and topped Baranowski in the finals. Out of this tier, I’d go with Ianulov and Amine to break through but it’s really tough especially going off the mixed production of Amine and the X-factor of Ianulov’s wear and tear.
Dark Horses
Abubakar Abakarov (AZE)- 2018 74 KG Junior world runner-up, 2019 79 KG U-23 world runner-up, 2020 79 KG Yasar Dogu champ, 2019 79 KG Junior world bronze. Key Wins: Radik Valiev (RUS; 2019 79 KG U-23 world championships), Akhmad Tashukhadzhiev (RUS; 2019 79 KG Korkin, 2019 79 KG Junior European Championships), David Betanov (RUS; 2018 74 KG Junior world championships), Mandakhnaran Ganzorig (MGL; 2018 74 KG senior world’s) Key Losses: #4 Artur Naifonov (RUS; 2020 European Championships), Akhmed Magamaev (BUL; 2020 European Championships), Akhmad Tashukhadzhiev (RUS; 2019 79 KG Junior world championships), Bekzod Abdurakhmanov (UZB; 2018 senior world championships repechage), #10 (74) Avtandil Kentchadze (GEO; 2018 74 KG world championships), Mekhi Lewis (USA; 2018 74 KG Junior world championships).
Deepak Punia (IND)- 2018 Asian championships bronze 2019 junior world champion, 2019 world runner-up, 2020 Asian championships bronze, 2019 Yasar Dogu runner-up. Key Wins: Stefan Reichmuth (SUI; 2019 world’s), Pat Downey (USA; 2019 Yasar Dogu), Osman Gocen (TUR; 2019 Yasar Dogu). Key Losses: Aleksandr Gostiev (AZE; 2019 Yasar Dogu), #3(92) Kamran Ghasempour (IRI; 2018 Asian championships), Shutaro Yamada (JPN; 2020 Asian Championships)
#16 Rasul Tikhaev (BLR)- 2020 European Championships bronze, 2020 Belarusian National champ, 2019 79 KG Medved runner-up. Key Wins: #17 Ali Shabanov (BLR; 2020 Belarusian national finals, 2019 DRL), Ahmed Bilici (TUR; 2018 Medved), Khabib Batyrov (RUS; 2015 74 KG Medved bronze medal match), Kamal Malikov (RUS; 2015 74 KG Medved). Key Losses: #14 Myles Amine (SMR; 2020 European Championships), #10 Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS; 2019 DRL), #5 Magomed Ramazanov (RUS; 2019 79 KG Medved finals)
Tikhaev is the most experienced of this tier with the best wins but Abakarov have been given more time to fill out to 86 KG is more of a threat to break through to me, style wise, than the super stingy Belarusian Tikhaev. Deepak is the returning world runner-up but I am just not super brought into seeing him being able to replicate things again, just against this type of physical field his overreliance on pushout heavy matches and the absence of any real leg attacks or reattacks just make it a hard sell on him.
92 KG
Title Contenders
#2 Alikhan Zhabrailov (RUS)- 2017 86 KG U-23 world champion, 2018 Russian nationals bronze, 2019 Russian nationals champion, 2019 world bronze medalist. Key Wins: #4 Magomed Kurbanov (RUS; 2019 Russian nationals finals, 2020 Russian nationals finals), #9 Anzor Urishev (RUS; 2019 Russian Nationals), #12 Georgi Rubaev (MDA; 2019 world bronze medal match), #9 (97) Suleyman Karadeniz (TUR; 2019 world championships). Key Losses: #1 Alireza Karimimachiani (IRI; 2019 world championships semifinals), #9 Anzor Urishev (RUS; 2018 Russian Nationals), #4 Magomed Kurbanov (RUS; 2019 Yarygin, 2019 Semenov), #5 Batyrbek Tsakulov (RUS; 2020 Yarygin finals).
Alikhan is in a position to win his second world title to go along with the gold he earned in 2017 at the 86 KG U-23 world’s, and I think save for a match against a surging Yaylaci from Turkey he shouldn’t face any major obstacles here.
Medal Contenders
#12 Georgi Rubaev (MDA)- 2x Russian nationals medalist (‘11&’12), 2013 84 KG junior world champion, 2019 world 5th place, 2019 Intercontinental Cup champion, 2019 86 KG Alans runner-up. Key Wins: #5 Batyrbek Tsakulov (RUS; 2020 European Championships), #11 Radik Nartikoev (RUS; 2019 Intercontinental Cup quarterfinals), Magomedsharif Biikaev (RUS; 2019 86 KG Alans). Key Losses: #20 (86) Soslan Ktsoev (RUS; 2019 86 KG Alans finals), #1 Alireza Karimimachiani (IRI; 2019 world championships), #2 Alikhan Zhabrailov (RUS; 2019 world championships bronze medal match), #8 Irakli Mtsituri (GEO; 2020 European championships), #10 Erhan Yalaci (TUR; 2020 Ziolkowski)
#10 Erhan Yaylaci (TUR)- 2018 Junior world bronze medalist, 2019 U-23 European championships bronze, 2020 Ziolkowski champion, 2019 Medved bronze. Key Wins: #12 Georgi Rubaev (MDA; 2020 Ziolkowski), Arif Ozen (TUR; 2020 Ziolkowski), Khokh Khugaev (RUS; 2018 Junior world championships), #13 Guram Chertkoev (RUS; 2019 Medved bronze medal match) Key Losses: Abbas Ali Foroutanrani (IRI; 2018 Junior world championships), #5 Batyrbek Tsakulov (RUS; 2019 U-23 European championships), Ivan Yankouski (BLR; 2019 Medved)
Gadzhimurad Magomedsaidov (AZE)- 2016 Junior European champion, 2016 junior world bronze medalist 86 KG, 2017 86 KG junior world bronze medalist, 2017 Junior European champion, 2018 Takhti Cup bronze, 2019 U-23 European bronze, 2019 Tbilisi GP runner-up, 2019 U-23 world runner-up. Key Wins: Zahid Valencia (USA; 2016 84 KG Junior world championships), Hayato Ishiguro (JPN; 2019 86 KG U-23 World championships), Osman Gocen (TUR; 2018 Takhti Cup bronze medal match). Key Losses: #3 Kamran Ghasempour (IRI; 2018 Takhti Cup, 2019 U-23 world finals, 2019 Tbilisi GP finals), Osman Gocen (2016 84 KG Junior world championships), #10 (86) Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS; 2019 U-23 European championships).
Yaylaci really impressed me with how he did at the Ziolkowski by beating 2018 junior world champ Arif Ozen (TUR) and putting it to Rubaev and I think his physicality is equal to Magomedsaidov but it’s better applied so I’m taking him to break through here as the guy to challenge Zhabrailov.
Dark Horses
Arkady Pogosyan (BLR)- 2015 76 KG cadet world bronze medalist, 2019 86 KG U-23 European championships 5th place, 2020 Belarusian national champion. Key Wins: Gadzhi Radzhabov (BLR; 2020 Belarusian national finals). Key Losses: #12 (79) Tazhidin Akaev (RUS; 2017 86 KG Medved quarterfinals), Arif Ozen (TUR; 2019 U-23 European championships), Zaur Beradze (2019 U-23 European championships bronze medal match)
Samuel Scherrer (SUI)- 2020 European championships runner-up. Key Wins: Amarhadzhi Magomedov (BLR; 2020 European championships). Key Losses: #9 (97) Suleyman Karadeniz (TUR; 2020 European championships finals).
Both guys are here for wins over more credentialed belarusians but in the case of either of them, I just don’t see a lot from their performances to indicate they can break through.
97 KG
Title Contender
#1 Abdulrashid Sadulaev (RUS)- 5x World/Olympic champion (‘14,’15,’16,’18,’19), 2015 European Games champion, 2019 European Games champion, 2019 European champion, 5x Russian nationals champion (‘14,’15,’17,’18,’20), 2020 European champion. Key Wins: Sharif Sharifov (AZE; 2016 Olympics, 2019 world finals), #6 Kyle Snyder (USA; 2018 world finals), #3 Elizbar Odikadze (GEO; 2015 Alrosa Cup, 2017 world championships, 2018 world championships, 2020 European championships), Selim Yasar (TUR; 2014 86 KG world’s, 2015 86 KG world final, 2016 86 KG Olympic final). Key Losses: #6 Kyle Snyder (USA; 2017 world finals), Gamzat Osmanov (AZE; 2013 Baku GGP), Shamil Kudiyamagomedov (RUS; 2012 Ali Aliev).
Sadulaev continues to make history everytime he competes and this time looks to be no different. His biggest competition will be #8 Aleksandr Hushtyn (BLR) and #9 Suleyman Karadeniz (TUR). Hushtyn pushed Sadulaev to the brink last year at the European championships and Karadeniz has been on an absolute tear at 92 KG where he dominated past world medalists Irakli Mtsituri and Aslanbek Alborov. I am very excited to see how Sadulaev fares against them on his path to his 6th World/Olympic title.
Medal Contenders
#8 Aleksandr Hushtyn (BLR)- 2017 Alans bronze, 2018 European championships runner-up, 2018 Medved champ, 2019 European championships runner-up, 2019 European Games bronze, 2019 Yarygin runner-up, 2019 Alans bronze, 2x Kunaev champ (‘18&’19). Key Wins: #11 Magomed Ibragimov (UZB; 2019 Alans), Dzianis Khramiankov (BLR; 2018 Medved), #16 Magomedkhan Magomedov (RUS; 2019 Kunaev), Nurmagomed Gadzhiev (AZE; 2018 European Championships), Magomedgadzhi Nurov (MKD; 2018 European championships, 2019 European Games bronze medal match), #3 Elizbar Odikadze (GEO; 2019 European Championships). Key Losses: #1 Abdulrashid Sadulaev (RUS; 2016 U-23 European Championships, 2019 European Games, 2019 European Championships), Valerii Andriitsev (UKR; 2019 world’s), #6 Kyle Snyder (USA; 2019 Alans), Amir Mohammadi (IRI; 2017 world’s), #11 Magomed Ibragimov (UZB; 2018 world championships)
#9 Suleyman Karadeniz (TUR)- 2019 International Ukrainain Tournament bronze, 2019 Yasar Dogu bronze, 2019 Ziolkowski champ, 2020 92 KG European champ, 2020 Ziolkowski champ. Key Wins: #7 (92) Aslanbek Alborov (AZE; 2020 92 KG European Championships), #8 (92) Irakli Mtsituri (GEO; 2020 92 KG European championships), #15 Shamil Zubairov (AZE; 2019 92 KG world championships),#10 (92) Erhan Yaylaci (TUR; 2019 International Ukrainian Tournament). Key Losses: #2 (92) Alikhan Zhabrailov (RUS; 2019 world championships), Bendeguz Toth (HUN; 2019 Yasar Dogu), #8 (92) Irakli Mtsituri (GEO; 2019 International Ukrainian Tournament)
#15 Shamil Zubairov (AZE)- 2018 92 KG U-23 European Champ, 2018 92 KG U-23 world champ, 2019 Tbilisi GP champ. Key Wins: #13 Aslanbek Sotiev (RUS; 2018 U-23 92 KG world finals), #5 (92) Batyrbek Tsakulov (RUS; 2018 U-23 European Championships), #8 Irakli Mtsituri (GEO; 2018 U-23 European championships, 2019 Tbilisi GP), #20 Erik Dzhioev (RUS; 2020 Moscow Cup). Key Losses: #9 Suleyman Karadeniz (TUR; 2019 92 KG world’s), Vasyl Sova (UKR; 2019 92 KG U-23 Euros), #2 J’den Cox (USA; 2019 Yasar Dogu), #8 (86) Bo Nickal (USA; 2019 92 KG U-23 world’s), Hossein Shahbazigazvar (IRI; 2019 92 KG U-23 world bronze medal match).
Akhmed Bataev (BUL)- 2015 Intercontinental Cup champ, 2015 Kadyrov Cup champ, 2016 Intercontinental Cup champ, 2016 Ali Aliev runner-up, 2018 Ali Aliev bronze medalist. Key Wins: Rasul Magomedov (RUS; 2016 Intercontinental Cup finals), Yuri Belonovski (RUS; 2016 Intercontinental Cup), Zainulla Kurbanov (RUS; 2016 Intercontinental Cup), #7 (92) Aslanbek Alborov (AZE; 2015 Intercontinental Cup). Key Losses: Yuri Belonovski (RUS; 2016 Kunaev finals), Anzor Boltukaev (RUS; 2016 Olympic trials), Evgeni Kolomiets (RUS; 2016 Olympic trials)
Magomedgadzhi Nurov (MKD)- 2019 European championship 5th, 2019 European Games 5th, 2019 Tbilisi GP champ, 2019 world bronze medalist. Key Wins: Georgi Ketoev (ARM; 2018 DRL), Givi Matcharashvili (GEO; 2019 Tbilisi GP), Nicolae Ceban (MDA; 2019 world’s). Key Losses: #1 Abdulrashid Sadulaev (RUS; 2019 European Games, 2019 World’s, 2019 European Championships), #8 Aleksandr Hushtyn (BLR; 2019 European Games bronze medal match), Abraham De Jesus Conyedo Ruano (ITA; 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament), #11 Magomed Ibragimov (UZB; 2018 world championships)
As I said before, Hushtyn and Karadeniz are the guys to beat here and Sadulaev’s best competition in the field. I’d be interested to see if Zubairov can make adjustment from his match last year in Karadeniz and I’d love to see how Bulgaria’s new Chechen transfer Akhmed Bataev plys his trade here after being a major fixture at the end of the 2012-2016 quad.
Dark Horses
Valerii Andriitsev (UKR)- 2012 Olympic silver medalist, 2014 world bronze, 2016 Olympics 5th, 2019 Dan Kolov runner-up. Key Wins: Jake Varner (USA; 2014 world’s), #3 Elizbar Odikadze (GEO; 2014 world’s bronze medal match), Anzor Boltukaev (RUS; 2016 Olympics), Reza Yazdani (IRI; 2019 Dan Kolov), #8 Aleksandr Hushtyn (BLR; 2019 world championships), Igor Ovsyannikov (RUS; 2019 Dan Kolov). Key Losses: Jake Varner (USA; 2012 Olympic finals), Khetag Gozyumov (AZE; 2014 world championships, 2016 Olympics), #11 Magomed Ibragimov (UZB; 2016 Olympics bronze medal match), Sharif Sharifov (AZE; 2019 world’s), Min-Won Seo (KOR; 2019 world’s), #6 Kyle Snyder (USA; 2019 Dan Kolov finals).
Abraham De Jesus Conyedo Ruano (ITA)- 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament runner-up, 2018 world bronze medalist, 2020 European championships bronze medalist. Key Wins: Pavlo Oliinyk (HUN; 2018 world bronze medal match), Dzianis Khramiankov (BLR; 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament), Magomedgadzhi Nurov (MKD; 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament), #10 Albert Saritov (ROU; 2018 Cornianu memorial). Key Losses: Nurmagomed Gadziev (AZE; 2018 International Ukrainian tournament), #6 Kyle Snyder (USA; 2018 world championships, 2020 Matteo Pellicone tournament), #10 Albert Saritov (ROU; 2020 European Championships), #5 Mohammad Mohammadian (IRI; 2020 Matteo Pellicone tournament)
Andriitsev has the better wins between him and Conyedo Ruano but Conyedo Ruano is better against the field and isn’t quite worn for wear as Andriitsev, so I take Conyedo Ruano here.
125 KG
Title Contenders
#4 Shamil Sharipov (RUS)- 2019 Intercontinental Cup bronze, 2020 Yarygin bronze, 2020 Russian Nationals runner-up. Key Wins: #6 Anzor Khizriev (RUS; 2020 Russian nationals), Said Gamidov (RUS; 2019 Intercontinental Cup), Magomedamin Dibirov (RUS; 2019 Intercontinental Cup), #18 Vitali Goloev (URS: 2020 Yarygin) Key Losses: Magomedgadzhi Nurasulov (RUS; 2019 Intercontinental Cup), #3 Alan Khugaev (RUS; 2020 Russian Nationals finals), #8 Baldan Tsyzhipov (RUS; 2020 Yarygin).
#9 Oleksandr Khotsianivski (UKR)- 2014 world 5th, 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament champ, 2018 Yasar Dogu champ, 2019 European championships bronze, 2019 European games bronze, 2019 world bronze medalist. Key Wins: #1 Geno Petriashvili (GEO; 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament), #15 #15 Yadollah Mohebbi (IRI; 2018 International Ukrainaian Tournament, 2019 world bronze medal match), #3 Alan Khugaev (RUS; 2019 world championships), Levan Berianidze (ARM; 2019 world championships) Key Losses: #1 Geno Petriashvili (GEO; 2018 Tbilisi GP, 2019 world’s), #8 Baldan Tszyhipov (RUS; 2020 European Championships), Tervel Dlagnev (USA; 2014 world’s), Khomeil Ghasemi (IRI; 2014 world’s).
#11 Robert Baran (POL)- 2016 European championships runner0up, 2018 European championships bronze, 2019 International Ukrainain Tournament runner-up, 2019 World Military Games bronze, 2020 European championships runner-up, 2020 Ziolkowski champion. Key Wins: #16 Jamaladdin Magomedov (AZE; 2020 European Championships), Levan Berianidze (ARM; 2020 European Championships), Daniel Ligeti (HUN, 2020 Ziolkowski finals). Key Losses: #1 Geno Petriashvili (GEO; 2016 European Championships, 2020 European Championships), #14 Parviz Hadi (IRI; 2018 world’s), Taha Akgul (TUR; 2019 Military World Games)
Amarveer Dhesi (CAN)- 2014 Junior world champion, 2019 Ziolkowski runner-up, 2020 Matteo Pellicone tournament bronze. Key Wins: Adam Coon (USA; 2014 Junior World’s), #3 Alan Khugaev (RUS; 2019 Ziolkowski), Daniel Ligeti (HUN; 2020 Matteo Pellicone bronze medal match). Key Losses: Bilyal Makhov (RUS; 2020 Matteo Pellicone), Nick Gwiazdowski (USA; 2018 world’s), #10 Zhiwei Deng (CHN; 2018 world’s)
This is really any man’s field in the absence of Petriashvili and Akgul, but the guys to beat here would be #4 Shamil Sharipov (RUS) and Amarveer Dhesi (CAN) as they have the size to not be bullied against Khotsianivski and their not so slow and lumbering that they’d fall to the likes of Baran.
Medal Contenders
Dzianis Khramiankov (BLR)- 2016 86 KG junior world runner-up, 2017 97 KG U-23 world runner-up, 2019 U-23 97 KG world bronze, 2018 U-23 Euro champ, 2018 Medved bronze, 2019 Medved bronze, 2020 Deglane Grand Prix champ Key Wins: Rasul Magomedov (RUS; 2018 U-23 European Championships), #11 (97) Magomed Ibragimov (UZB; 2019 Medved), Ibragim Saidov (BLR; 2020 Deglane grand prix). Key Losses: #14 (97) Mojitaba Goleij (IRI; 2016 Junior world’s, 2017 U-23 world’s, 2019 U-23 world’s), #8 (97) Aleksandr Hushtyn (BLR; 2018 Medved), #19 (97) Shamil Musaev (RUS; 2019 U-23 European championships).
#16 Jamaladdin Magomedov (AZE)- 2015 world runner-up, 2011 world bronze medalist, 2019 European Games bronze medalist, 2020 European championships bronze medalist. Key Wins: Bilyal Makhov (RUS; 2015 world’s), Levan Berianidze (ARM; 2015 world’s, 2020 Euros), Nick Gwiazdowski (USA; 2016 world club cup, 2017 world cup, 2018 world cup). Key Losses: Taha Akgul (TUR; 2015 world finals), Tervel Dlagnev (USA; 2016 Olympics), #11 Robert Baran (POL; 2020 European championships).
Daniel Ligeti (HUN)- 2019 Korkin champ, 2019 Yasar Dogu bronze, 2017 Ziolkowski champ, 2016 Grand Prix of Spain champ, 2014 European Championships bronze medalist, 2020 Ziolkowski runner-up. Key Wins: #8 Baldan Tsyzhipov (RUS; 2019 Korkin semis), Pavel Krivstov (RUS; 2019 Korkin finals), Amarveer Dhesi (CAN; 2016 Grand Prix of Spain finals). Key Losses: Bilyal Makhov (RUS; 2020 Matteo Pellicone), Amarveer Dhesi (CAN; 2020 Matteo Pellicone), #11 Robert Baran (POL; 2020 Ziolkowski finals)
Khramiankov was always big for whatever weight he was in and I feel like with his reattack offense that he has, he’s going to translate up very well to heavyweight even if he is somewhat undersized against the likes of Sharipov, Dhesi, and Khotsianivski.