2023 65 KG Senior World Championships Preview
Title Contenders
#1 Rahman Amouzad (IRI)- 2022 65 KG Asian Champion, 2022 65 KG Senior World Champion, 2023 65 KG Asian Champion, 2023 65 KG Commonwealth Cup champion. Key Wins: #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (2023 65 KG Asian Championships finals), Bajrang Punia (2022 65 KG Asian Championships finals), #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (2022 65 KG Senior World finals, 2022 Senior World Cup), #9 Gadzhimurad Omarov (2023 65 KG Commonwealth Cup finals), #11 Haji Aliyev (2022 65 KG World Championships semifinals), #15 Ismail Musukaev (2022 65 KG World Championships round of 16). Key Losses: #1 (57) Zavur Uguev (2020 57 KG Individual World Cup), Toshihiro Hasegawa (2021 61 KG Senior World Championships round of 16).
#2 Takuto Otoguro (JPN)- 2020 65 KG Olympic Gold Medalist, 2018 65 KG World Champion, 2020 65 KG Asian Champion. Key Wins: Bajrang Punia (2018 65 KG Senior World finals, 2020 65 KG Asian Championships finals), #6 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (2020 65 KG Olympics), #15 Ismail Musukaev (2020 65 KG Olympics), #2 (57) Rei Higuchi (2019 65 KG Japanese National Team Wrestle-Off’s), #11 Haji Aliyev (2019 Senior World Championships repechage, 2020 65 KG Olympic finals). Key Losses: #6 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (2019 65 KG Senior World Championships RD16), #2 (57) Rei Higuchi (2019 Emperor’s Cup), #15 Ismail Musukaev (2019 65 KG Senior World Championships bronze medal match).
#3 Shamil Mamedov (AIN)- Two-time 65 KG Yarygin champion (‘22 & ‘23), 2022 65 KG All-Russian Spartakiad champion, 2023 65 KG Russian Nationals champion. Key Wins: #5 Ibragim Ibragimov (2023 65 KG Russian Nationals finals), #6 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (2022 65 KG All-Russian Spartakiad finals), #12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev (2023 65 KG Iranian Pro League Finals), #9 Gadzhimurad Omarov (2023 65 KG Russian Nationals semifinals), #11 Haji Aliyev (2023 65 KG PWL-5). Key Losses: #20 Aripgadzhi Abdulaev (2022 65 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals), #12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev (2023 65 KG Iranian Pro League, 2022 65 KG Korkin finals).
#4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (MGL)- 2018 65 KG Senior World Championships 5th place finisher, 2021 65 KG Senior World bronze medalist, 2022 65 KG Yasar Dogu 5th 2022 65 KG Bolat Turlykhanov Cup champion, 2022 65 KG Kunaev Cup champion, 2023 65 KG Zagreb Open champion, 2023 65 KG Asian Championships runner-up, 2023 65 KG Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament champion, 2023 65 KG Budapest Ranking Series Tournament champion. Key Wins: #5 Ibragim Ibragimov (2022 65 KG PWL), #8 Nick Lee (2023 65 KG Budapest Ranking Series Tournament), #12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev (2023 65 KG Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament), #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (2022 65 KG World Cup), Vazgen Tevanyan (2021 65 KG Senior World Championships), Umidjon Jalolov (2022 65 KG Bolat Turlykhanov Cup), #15 Ismail Musukaev (2023 65 KG Zagreb Open, 2023 65 KG Budapest Ranking Series Tournament), #8 (70) Joey McKenna (2022 65 KG Kunaev finals), #14 Ikrhomzhon Khadzhimurodov (2023 65 KG Budapest Ranking Series Tournament). Key Losses: #3 Shamil Mamedov (2022 65 KG Yarygin), #14 (70) Zagir Shakhiev (2021 65 KG Senior World Championships semifinals), #1 Rahman Amouzad (2023 65 KG Asian Championships finals), #2 Takuto Otoguro (2018 65 KG Senior World Championships), Bajrang Punia (2019 65 KG Senior World bronze medal match), #5 (61) Alik Khadartsev (2022 65 KG 2nd Ivan Poddubny Tournament).
Medal Contenders
Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM)- 2020 65 KG Individual World Cup champion, 2021 65 KG European Olympic Games Qualifier Champion, 2022 65 KG U23 World Champion, 2023 65 KG European Champion, 2023 65 KG Ibrahim Moustafa Ranking Series Tournament champion. Key Wins: Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (2021 65 KG European OG Qualifier), #11 Haji Aliyev (2021 65 KG European OG Qualifier), #15 Ismail Musukaev (2020 65 KG Individual World Cup), #8 (70) Joey McKenna (2023 65 KG Ibrahim Moustafa Ranking Series Tournament finals), #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (2021 65 KG Senior World Championships) Key Losses: #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (2022 65 KG Senior World Championships), Bajrang Punia (2022 65 KG Senior World Championships repechage), #6 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (2020 65 KG Olympics), #13 (70) Ernazar Akmataliev (2021 70 KG U23 World Finals), #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (2021 65 KG Senior World Championships).
#8 Nick Lee (USA)- 2023 65 KG Final X Champion, 2020 65 KG Olympic Trials bronze medalist, 2023 65 KG Budapest Ranking Series runner-up, 2022 65 KG Bill Farrell Memorial Invitational runner-up. Key Wins: #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (2020 65 KG Olympic Trials, 2023 65 KG Final X), #17 (70) Zain Retherford (2020 65 KG Olympic Trials), Islam Dudaev (2023 65 KG Budapest Ranking Series), Sebastian Rivera (2023 65 KG Zagreb Open). Key Losses: #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (2023 65 Kg Budapest Ranking Series Tournament finals), #15 Ismail Musukaev (2023 65 KG Zagreb Open quarterfinals), #3 (61) Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (2022 65 KG Bill Farrell Memorial Invitational finals).
#11 Haji Aliyev (AZE)- Three-time 61 KG world champion (‘14,’15,’17), 2020 65 KG Olympic runner-up, 2022 65 KG Senior World 5th place finisher. Key Wins: #6 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (2017 61 KG World’s), Bajrang Punia (2020 65 KG Olympics), Daulet Niyazbekov (2020 65 KG Olympics), Bekhan Goygereev (2014 65 KG European Championships), Masoud Esmailpour (2014 61 KG Senior World finals), Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez (2014 & 2017 61 KG Senior World Championships). Key Losses: #10 Andrew Alirez (2023 65 KG Ziolkowski), #15 Ismail Musukaev (2020 65 KG Individual World Cup, 2022 65 KG Senior World Championships, 2022 65 KG European Championships Finals), #2 Takuto Otoguro (2019 65 KG Senior World Championships, 2020 65 KG Olympic Finals), #6 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (2019 65 KG Senior World Championships), Alejandro Valdes Tobier (2018 65 KG Senior World Championships), #3 Shamil Mamedov (2023 65 KG PWL-5).
#15 Ismail Musukaev (HUN)- 2019 65 KG Senior World bronze medalist, 2022 Senior European champion, 2022 65 KG Senior World bronze medalist. Key Wins: #2 Takuto Otoguro (2019 65 KG Senior World Championships), #11 Haji Aliyev (2020 65 KG Individual World Cup, 2022 65 KG Senior World Championships, 2022 65 KG Senior European Championships), #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (2022 65 KG Ziolkowski), #8 Nick Lee (2023 65 KG Zagreb Open) Key Losses: #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (2023 65 KG Zagreb Open, 2023 65 KG Budapest Ranking Series Tournament), Evan Henderson (2023 65 KG Zagreb Open bronze medal match), #14 Ikrhomzhon Khadzhimurodov (2023 65 KG Budapest Ranking Series Tournament repechage), #6 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (2018 61 KG Yarygin, 2019 65 KG Senior World championships semifinals, 2020 65 KG Olympic bronze medal match), #2 Takuto Otoguro (2020 65 KG Olympics), Vazgen Tevanyan (2020 65 KG Individual World Cup Finals).
Dark Horses
#12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev (TJK)- 2021 65 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2021 65 KG Ali Aliev champion, 2021 65 KG U23 European Championships runner-up, 2023 U23 Asian Championships gold medalist, 2023 Bishkek Ranking Series Tournament bronze medalist. Key Wins: #3 Shamil Mamedov (2023 65 KG Iranian Pro League, 2022 65 KG Korkin Cup finals), #13 Ramazan Ferzaliev (2021 65 KG Russian Nationals bronze medal match, 2021 65 KG Ali Aliev Finals), Bajrang Punia (2021 65 KG Ali Aliev). Key Losses: #3 Shamil Mamedov (2023 65 KG Iranian Pro League Finals), Ryoma Anranku (2023 65 KG Asian Championships), #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (2023 65 KG Bishkek Ranking Series Event), Vazgen Tevanyan (2023 65 Kg Ibrahim Moustafa Ranking Series Tournament semifinals).
Umidjon Jalolov (UZB)- 2022 65 KG Yasar Dogu bronze medalist, 2022 65 KG Junior World Champion. Key Wins: #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (2022 65 KG Yasar Dogu), Ziraddin Bayramov (2022 65 KG Junior World Championships). Key Losses: #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (2022 65 KG Bolat Turlykhanov Cup), #3 Shamil Mamedov (2022 65 KG Yasar Dogu), Sujeet Sujeet (2022 65 KG Junior Asian Championships).
Action Fighter/Wrestler to Watch
Austin Gomez (MEX)- 2022 149 LB NCAA-All American.
Sebastian Rivera (PUR)- 2022 65 KG Senior World Championships 5th place finisher, 2022 65 KG Matteo Pellicone Invitational Champion, 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games champion. Key Wins: Alejandro Valdes Tobier (2023 CACG finals), Erik Arushanina (2022 65 KG Matteo Pellicone Invitational Finals), Shamil Omarov (2022 65 KG Matteo Pellicone), Tseevensuren Tsogbadrakh (2023 65 KG Senior World Championships quarterfinals). Key Losses: #8 (70) Joey McKenna (2022 65 KG Pan-Am Championships finals), Bajrang Punia (2022 65 KG Senior World Championships bronze medal match), #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (2022 65 KG Senior World Championships semifinals, 2023 65 KG Pan-Am Championships).
The Breakdown
Returning Senior World Champion Rahman Amouzad of Iran comes in at #1 in the Fight Site International Rankings and the UWW Rankings going into the World Championships. In his path to claim his second straight world title and qualify for the Paris Olympics, Amouzad top challengers are highlighted by reigning Olympic Champion #2 Takuto Otoguro (JPN), Russian Nationals Champion #3 Shamil Mamedov (AIN), Asian Championships runner-up #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (MGL). As I have already placed the quartet of Amouzad, Otoguro, Mamedov, and Tumur Ochir in the Title Contender category, the next portion of this article is going to go in more depth of how I see them doing against each other and the rest of the field.
Out of the four, #4 Tulga Tumur-Ochir (MGL) having yet to win world gold, with his best finish at the Senior World championships being bronze in 2021 at 65 after suffering a razor thin semifinal loss to eventual champion #14 (65) Zagir Shakhiev (RUS). Tumur-Ochir has absolutely transformed as a wrestler since the end of 2022 and torn through 65 kilograms, taking titles at the Kunaev in 2022 over #8 (70) Joey McKenna (USA), dominating Senior World silver medalist #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (USA) and 2019 61 KG world champion Beka Lomtadze (GEO) at the World Cup, and finished the year with a impressive showing at the PWL over 2022 Russian Nationals champion #5 Ibragim Ibragimov (RUS). This year, Tumur-Ochir has picked up three titles at the Zagreb Open, The Bishkek Open, and The Budapest Open with his only loss this year coming in the finals of the Asian Championships to #1 Rahman Amouzad (IRI). Tumur-Ochir’s wins this year include the likes of #8 Nick Lee (USA), #12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev (TJK), #8 (70) Joey McKenna (USA), #14 Ikrhomzhon Khadzhimurodov (KGZ), and #15 Ismail Musukaev (HUN). While Tumur-Ochir does have losses to all two members in the title contender tier (Amouzad at the Asian Championships, and Mamedov at the 2022 Yarygin and 2022 Yasar Dogu), with Otoguro’s compromised state going into the world championships, I believe the biggest threats to Tumur-Ochir are going to be #1 Rahman Amouzad and #3 Shamil Mamedov, both guys who he’s entirely capable of beating if he’s peaked.
Reigning Olympic Champion #2 Takuto Otoguro (JPN) has been largely inactive since winning gold in Tokyo, outside of winning the Emperor’s Cup and Meiji Cup this year to qualify for the Japanese World Team. Otoguro has been reported to be on the recovery from a serious ankle injury and his performance was noticeably hampered by it while competing against domestic competition at the Meiji Cup. When Otoguro is healthy, his combination of speed, physicality in handfighting, and high percentage finishes on leg attacks make him one of the pound for pound best. But, unfortunately, what I am expecting to see and what I hope that I am wrong about, is a version of Otoguro from the 2019 World Championships, were he notably struggled with injuries and couldn’t pull the trigger and explode into his leg attacks to his championship form in the past and ended up taking fifth with losses to #6 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS) and #15 Ismail Musukaev (HUN).
#3 Shamil Mamedov (AIN) has been on an absolute tear since winning Junior World gold in 2021 at 65 KG. Since the start of 2022, Mamedov has won two Yarygin titles, an All-Russian Spartakiad title, a Yasar Dogu title, and a Senior Russian Nationals title. During this time, Mamedov has only lost three times; once to #20 Aripgadzhi Abdulaev (RUS) in a shock upset at the 2022 Russian National quarterfinals and twice to #12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev (TJK) in the finals of the 2022 Dmitri Korkin Cup and in January this year at the Iranian Pro League which he avenged the next month by pin. During this run, Mamedov has put together exceptional wins over the likes of #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir (MGL), #5 Ibragim Ibragimov (RUS), #6 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS), #9 Gadzhimurad Omarov (RUS), #11 Haji Aliyev (AZE), #12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev (TJK), and #13 Ramazan Ferzaliev (RUS). What makes Mamedov such an incredibly difficult wrestler to deal with is his incredible ability to reload and pull himself into shots, meaning he’s constantly in excellent position to finish and if he isn’t able to finish his initial shot he will use the momentum he got from his first shot, reshot, to either shoot to the other side or duck his opponent on the same side.
The final member to cover of the championship tier is the reigning world champion #1 Rahman Amouzad of Iran. Amouzad’s aggression is unreal, as he waits palms up in his stance, his long arms dragging the mat, looking for underhooks and he furiously attacks his opponents at all times, snapping them into an overunder that he’ll either throw them by with, throw it by to a single leg, a head outside single leg or throw by the underhook and go to an ankle pick. Amouzad also has excellent scrambling defense, which bodes well for him if the likes of Mamedov or Otoguro get in on his legs when he is being overly aggressive while looking for underhooks. Amouzad’s run last year at the World Championships was incredible, as he dominated the likes of #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (USA), #11 Haji Aliyev (AZE), and #15 Ismail Musukaev (HUN).
Out of all of the title contenders I have gone over, I believe #3 Shamil Mamedov (AIN) has the best style to win the world title here but I hesitate a bit with him against the physicality and aggression of Amouzad. I am very, very, interested to see how the new and improved #4 Tulga Tumur-Ochir looks against Amouzad, Otoguro, and Mamedov and am very high on him to be able to win this bracket. I am holding out hope that Otoguro is not as badly hurt as is reported and can wrestle up to the caliber of the Olympic Champion that he is but I am not optimistic about it.
On the medal contender side, the highest ranked athlete is #7 Nick Lee (USA) who beat out returning world runner-up #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (USA) at Final X. Lee has an incredibly high volume shot based style that will pose problems for international wrestlers with bad gas tanks like #15 Ismail Musukaev (HUN) who would break in the second after trying to coast on two or three big moments. Where Lee has struggled is in upper body situations as seen in his losses to #3 (61) Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (KGZ) last year at the Dave Schultz Memorial Invitational and this year to #4 Tulga Tumur-Ochir (MGL) in the finals of the Budapest Ranking Series. I am most interested to see how Lee does in a similar stylistic matchup against 2020 Olympic runner-up #11 Haji Aliyev (AZE), as I am leaning towards Lee here with Aliyev’s age starting to catch up to him.
Out of the medal contender tier, keep an eye out for Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM), who took gold this year at the European Championships of Mikyay Salim Naim (BUL). Tevanyan is a powerhouse of a wrestler with a great drag go behind and an absolutely LETHAL gutwrench that can end matches against the best as evident by his wins over #11 Haji Aliyev (AZE), 2021 70 KG world champion Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL), 2016 57 KG Olympic Champion Vladimir Khinchegashvili (GEO), and #15 Ismail Musukaev (HUN). Tevanyan is limited in that he doesn’t take that many shots and can let matches get away from him, but if a bracket does fall apart or someone better than him takes him lightly, he has the exact type of stingy style with crushing par-terre to upset better wrestlers.
I am very excited to see how University of Wisconsin All-American Austin Gomez does in this bracket competing for Mexico. Gomez has an incredibly exciting upper body focused style and beaten #8 Yianni Diakomihalis (USA) in folkstyle at the start of the 2022-2023 season. Gomez is my pick along with Rutgers standout Sebastian Rivera as my action wrestler of the bracket to watch.
My two athletes that I am choosing for my dark horse wrestlers to watch out for are #12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev of Tajikistan and Umidjon Jalolov of Uzbekistan. #12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev is a 2021 Russian Nationals placer, a 2021 Ali Aliyev champion, took bronze at the Bishkek Ranking Series tournament this year, gold at this year’s U23 Asian Championships, and has two victories over #3 Shamil Mamedov from the Korkin Cup and the Iranian Pro League. Kudiev has impeccable scrambling ability and is incredibly strong for the weight and boasts an excellent inside control throwby and front headlock series that he uses well on its own or to get to single legs that he finishes very well. What holds back Kudiev is that against competition less willing to open up, he can shut himself down in matches by not shooting enough, but he entirely has the profile and skillset of a man capable of making a deep upset run through this bracket. Umidjon Jalolov is the 2022 65 KG Junior World Champion and excels from upper body positions, especially the over under and has shown himself capable of beating elite competition the likes of #4 Tulga Tumur-Ochir (MGL) and Ziraddin Bayramov (AZE).
PREDICTIONS
GOLD: #3 Shamil Mamedov over #1 Rahman Amouzad
BRONZE: #4 Tulga Tumur Ochir
BRONZE: #2 Takuto Otoguro or #12 Abdulmazhid Kudiev