The eyes of international wrestling fans will focus on Los Angeles this weekend for the UWW World Cup.

With the top 8 teams in the World in attendance, the earliest bouts through the final gold medal match will feature extremely high level wrestling. There is no fluff at the World Cup, and there are no pushovers.

The entire event will be streamed LIVE on FloWrestling starting on Saturday, June 11th at 3:00 PM PST.

Pool A Breakdown by Willie

RUSSIA

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Gadzhimurad Rashidov - Euro Champ
61 kg/134 lbs. – Imam Adzhiev - Yarygin Runner-Up, Euro U23 Champ
65 kg/143 lbs. – Soslan Ramonov - 2014 World Champion
70 kg/154 lbs. – Zaur Sidakov - Yarygin Champ
74 kg/163 lbs. –Khetik Tsabolov - 2014 World Champ, Medved Champ
86 kg/189 lbs. – Shamil Kudiiamagomedov - Euro and Yarygin Champ
97 kg/213 lbs. – Abdusalam Gadisov - World Silver
125 kg/275 lbs. –Muradin Kushkhov - 2015 Yarygin Champ

Reserves: 57-Viktor Rassadin; 61-Kezhik Chymba; 65-Mogamed Kurbanaliev; 70-Atsamaz Sanakoev; 74- Zaur Makiev; 86-Anzor Urishev; 97-Adlan Ibrigimov; 125- Pavel; Krivtsov

Commentary: How nice it is to be Russia with so much depth. That plays a part not only in how they list their starters but also how competitive their team can be despite not sending several of their horses. No Sadualaev, no Lebedev or Bogomoev. Still, Mother Russia’s lineup will feature a Top 10 ranked wrestler at every weight except 125.

World Champ Tsabolov doing his thing at 2014 World's:

TURKEY

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Suleyman Atli - Dogu Champ, 2013 JR World Champ
61 kg/134 lbs. – Recep Topal - Dogu Bronze
65 kg/143 lbs. – Servet Coskun - 2014 Euro Silver
70 kg/154 lbs. – Selahattin Kilicsallayan - 2014 UNIV. World Champ, 2013 JR World Champ
74 kg/163 lbs. – Soner Demirtas - Euro Champ
86 kg/189 lbs. – Selim Yasar - World Silver
97 kg/213 lbs. – to be determined
125 kg/275 lbs. –Yunus Emre Dede - 2015 JR World Bronze

Reserves: None provided.

Commentary: This is a good squad, but not close to the best the Turks could have provided. They’re certainly keeping home Mustafa Kaya (65), Yakup Gor (70), it appears, Bolukbasi (97), and World Champ Akgul. A full line-up could have contended with the partial RUS squad. But I don’t think this group wins a dual in Pool A. Watch for Demirtas and Yasar though. Very entertaining and could make the All Tournament Team.

MONGOLIA

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Bekhbayar Erdenebat - World Bronze
61 kg/134 lbs. – Tuvshintulga Tumenbileg - Dogu Silver, 2014 UNIV. Champ
65 kg/143 lbs. – Mandakhnaran Ganzorig - World 5th, 2014 and 2015 World Bronze
70 kg/154 lbs. – Altangerel Dorjtsegmed - Mongolian Open Champ
74 kg/163 lbs. – Unurbat Purevjav - World Silver
86 kg/189 lbs. – Uitumen Orgodol - Asian Silver, 2015 Yarygin Silver
97 kg/213 lbs. – Khuderbulga Dorjkhand - Dogu and France GP Silver
125 kg/275 lbs. – Chuluunbat Jargalsaikan - World 5th

Reserves: 57 - Batbold Sodnomdash; 65 - Batmagnai Batchuluun

Commentary: “The Land of the Blue Sky” brings a very solid team to L.A. They have all their #1’s except for their 8th-ranked 70kg, Batzorig Buyanjav. Very, very balanced line-up. Erdenbat is quick and exciting and Ganzorig is one of my personal favorite foreigners. Purevjav was who Burroughs beat in the World finals in Las Vegas last year.

They can’t beat Russia, but if things fall right, they could take out Georgia to face the Pool B runner-up, which could well be the U.S. Watch the Mongolians. You’ll become a fan.

Erdenebat takes out Ramos at 2014 Worlds:

GEORGIA

57kg - Vladimir Khinchegashvili - World Champion, 2012 OLY Silver
61kg - Beka Lomtadze - European Silver
65kg - Zurab Iakobishvili - Medved Champion
70kg - David Tladshadze - European Silver
74kg - Jakob Makarashvili - Medved Runner-Up
86kg - Sandro Aminashvili - World Bronze
97kg - Elizbar Odikadze - 2x World 5th
125kg - Geno Petriashvili - World Bronze

Reserves: 57-Beka Bujiashvili; 65-Konstantin Khablashili; 74-Jumber Kvelashvili; Dato Marsagishili; Mamuka Kordzaial; Giorgi Sakandelidze

Commentary: Bookends. The Georgians will be favored to win the first and last bout in every dual they wrestle. It’s what happens in between that counts. Can they win three out of the other six against MGL? Sure.
Against RUS? It will be tough, but possible. (Yeah, I said it.)
Tladshadze outplaced Sidakov at Euro’s. Aminashvili or Dato can go with Shamil at 86 (don’t give me the ‘he beat Aldatov’ line).
Ramonov and Tsabolv will win. The key will be 61 and 86. I’m not betting on GEO, but it could happen.

Predictions for Pool A: Russia is just too strong and balanced. They have problems at HWT, but that’s about it. I don’t see any scenario where they lose 5 of 8 to a Pool A team. Looking at the match-ups, GEO would have the best shot, but don’t bet on it. In my opinion, and though you’ll be focused on the American drama, GEO vs. MGL will be one of the best duals of the tournament, and the highlight of Pool A.

Petriashvilli takes out World Champion Akgul 2



Order of Finish: 1. Russia 2. Georgia 3. Mongolia 4. Turkey


Pool B Breakdown by CP

Iran

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Hassan Rahimi - 2013 World Champion, 2015 World Silver
61 kg/134 lbs. – Behnam Ehsanpoor - 2012 Junior World Champion, 2015 Asian Champion
65 kg/143 lbs. – Seyedahmad Mohammadipahnehkolaei - World Bronze, 2013 World Silver
70 kg/154 lbs. – Mostafa Hosseinkhani - 2016 Asian Champ
74 kg/163 lbs. – Hassan Yazdanicharati - World Silver Medalist, 2014 Junior World Champ
86 kg/189 lbs. – Alireza Karimimachiani - World Bronze Medalist
97 kg/213 lbs. – Amir Mohammadi - World 5th
125 kg/275 lbs. – Komeil Ghasemi - 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist, 2014 World Silver

Reserves: 57 – Reza Atrinagharchi; 61 – Masoud Esmaeilpoorjouybari; 65 – Meysam Nasiri; 70 – Saeid Dadashpoourkerikalaei; 74 – Alireza Ghasemi; 86 kg – Meisam Mostafajoukar; 86 – Reza Bayat; 97 -- Abbas Tahan; 125 – Parviz Hadi Basmanjx

Commentary: Iran is holding absolutely nothing back as they look to win yet another World Cup title. With the likely exception of 97kg (Miss you, Leopard of Juybar AKA Reza Yazdani), this is the Iranian Olympic Team. 6 of the 8 starters have been top 5 in the world. Rahimi, Mohammadi, Yazdanicharati, Karimi and Ghasemi are the terrifying nucleus for this squad, but their 61kg contingent will likely present problems for the United States as well. This is unquestionably the best team on paper in either pool.

Despite not having near as many credentialed wrestlers as the Iranians, that’s no reason to count out this squad. Of the 8 matches contested, there are reasonably 5 or 6 winnable matches for the Americans. If Team USA were simply to win where they’re favored: 70, 74, 97 and 125, we’ll be right there. If they can pull an upset (Dennis, J’den, Tony, Frank) in there we’ll be in position to win.

Azerbaijan

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Makhmud Magomedov - 2012 Yasar Dogu Champiion
61 kg/134 lbs. – Akhmednabi Gvarzatilov - 2013 Junior World Champion
65 kg/143 lbs. – Magomed Muslimov - 2014 European Bronze
70 kg/154 lbs. – Gadzhimurad Omarov - 2016 European Silver
74 kg/163 lbs. – Ashraf Aliyev -2011 World Bronze
86 kg/189 lbs. – Alexander Gostiyev - 2016 European Silver
97 kg/213 lbs. – Aslanbek Alborov - 3-Time Junior World Medalist
125 kg/275 lbs. – Said Gamidov - 2015 Junior World Champion

Reserves: 57 – Giorgi Edisherashvili; 61 – Jahid Hasan-Zada; 86 – Magomedgadzhi Khatiev

Commentary: The Azeri’s are flexing a little bit of their depth this weekend. While they aren’t sending many of their #1’s, they will still be a tough out. Aliyev is a familiar face to those who have been following Burroughs through the years. While Tsargush’s singlet grabbing became the story of the 2011 Worlds, Aliyev was as ruthless as anyone Burroughs faced. Looking for JB to get some revenge here as he’s a completely different animal now. While there’s no Asgarov, Haji Aliyev or Gazyumov, Team USA mustn't look past this squad. They are credentialed in skilled at all 8 weights. Play around, you’ll be beaten. I see this squad giving Iran some tough bouts, but ultimately falling. I would be surprised to see them anywhere but 3rd in the pool.

Aliyev and Burroughs 2011 battle at Worlds.

USA

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Daniel Dennis, Iowa City, Iowa (Titan Mercury WC/Hawkeye WC)
61 kg/134 lbs. – Tony Ramos, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Titan Mercury WC)
65 kg/145.5 lbs. – Frank Molinaro, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC)
70 kg/154 lbs. – James Green, Lincoln, Neb. (Titan Mercury WC/Nebraska WTC)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Jordan Burroughs, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids/Nebraska WTC)
86 kg/189 lbs. – J’Den Cox, Columbia, Mo. (Missouri Wrestling Foundation)
97 kg/213 lbs. – Kyle Snyder, Woodbine, Md. (Titan Mercury WC/Ohio RTC)
125 kg/275 lbs. – Tervel Dlagnev, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids/Ohio RTC)

Reserves: 57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Alan Waters, Columbia, Mo. (Missouri Wrestling Foundation);61 -- Joey Lazor (Panther Wrestling Club) 65 kg/145.5 lbs. – Zain Retherford, Benton, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC); 74 kg/163 lbs. - Alex Dieringer, Port Washington, Wis. (Cowboy WC); 86 kg/189 lbs. – David Taylor, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC); 97 kg/213 lbs. – Jake Varner, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC); 125 – Zach Rey, Bethlehem, Pa. (Lehigh Valley WC)

Commentary: Health permitting we’ll have all of our Olympians plus our two best options at the non-Olympic weights. How James Green competes back up at 70kg is among the biggest questions of the tournament. When he’s on, he’s the best in our country at 70 and was able to win World Bronze. Green did not look himself at the Olympic Trials. If he’s not back and clicking on all cylinders, we could be in trouble here. If he’s at his best, he could be the reason Team USA takes home the title.

You have to be excited about the potential for Daniel Dennis. He’ll face two proven 57kg guys in World Champion Rahimi (Iran) and Amit Kumar. Many will point to Tony Ramos’ strong showings against Rahimi as some evidence that Daniel should beat him. I would discourage that line of thinking. It’s not that Daniel couldn’t beat Rahimi, it’s just that I believe Tony presented very specific stylistic problems against Rahimi. Time will tell if those exist with Daniel. What gives me optimism in this team is that we have two strong favorites in Burroughs and Snyder. The matches where USA is not favored I believe are very much in the balance. The great question of this competition is where J’den Cox will stack up against the 2nd best 86kg in the world, Karimi.

Of course for the Iran/USA bout, USA will need to take care of business against India and Azerbaijan. They will be favored in those two bouts.

India

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Amit Kumar- 2013 World Silver Medalist
61 kg/134 lbs. – Bajrang - 5th At 2015 Worlds
65 kg/143 lbs. – Amit Kumar Dhankar - 2013 Asian Champion
70 kg/154 lbs. – Kumar Omprakash Vinod - 5th Junior Asian Championships
74 kg/163 lbs. – Parveen Rana - 2014 Dave Schultz Champion
86 kg/189 lbs. – Pawan Kumar - Two-Time Commonwealth Games Champion
97 kg/213 lbs. – Satywart Kadian - 2014 Asian Bronze Medalist
125 kg/275 lbs. – Hitender - 3rd At World Olympic Qualifier

Commentary: The lightweights are the story here for this India squad. Kumar and Bajrang will present the most problems for their competition. This is not the strongest squad India could put out and will serve as a nice tune-up match for the United States. We’ll get a great gauge of where Dennis and Ramos are at after this bout.

Predictions: Though there are paths to victory for Team USA against Iran, they are difficult to predict.  Iran is a lock to win their first two against India and Azerbaijan.  I feel the same for Team USA.  The Azeri's will likely wind up 1-2 in the pool to place third, while India seems destined to go 0-fer.  Iran is favored at 57, 61, 65 and 86.  I view 70 and 125 as a toss up between USA and Iran.  USA is favored at 74 and 97.  Team USA will need the toss ups as well as an upset to get the job done against an Iranian team built to win. 

Order of Finish: 1. Iran 2. USA 3. Azerbaijan 4. India


2015 Men’s Freestyle World Cup Results
1. Iran
2. United States
3. Azerbaijan
4. Russia
5. Belarus
6. Mongolia
7. Cuba
8. Turkey

2015 World Championships Results
1. Russia – 61 pts
2. Iran – 48 pts
3. Georgia – 44 pts
4. Mongolia – 41 pts
5. Azerbaijan – 39 pts
6. Turkey – 33 pts
7. United States – 29 pts
8. Bulgaria – 23 pts
9. Ukraine – 20 pts
10. India – 14 pt

2016 World Cup Schedule

Saturday, June 11
3 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies
3:30 p.m. – Mongolia vs. Turkey, United Stats vs. India
4:45 p.m. – Russia vs. Georgia, Iran vs. Azerbaijan
6 p.m. – Turkey vs. Georgia, Azerbaijan vs. United States
7:15 p.m. – Russia vs. Mongolia, India vs. Iran

Sunday, June 12
10:30 a.m. – Georgia vs. Mongolia, Azerbaijan vs. India
12 p.m. – Turkey vs. Russia, United States vs. Iran
1:30 p.m. – 7th place match, 5th place match
4:45 p.m. – 3rd place match
6 p.m. – 1st place match
7:15 p.m. – Awards Presentation

General admission for both the Saturday and Sunday sessions are just $60 total or $35 for individual days. Preferred seating options are available for $85 for both Saturday and Sunday, or $55 individually.