The 2024 Olympics are set to take place in Paris, France and will feature wrestling from August 5-11. Check out the below article for a preview and prediction of every weight in the men's freestyle division at the Olympics. 

The 57 kg 2024 Olympic Participants

Worlds

Gold - Stevan Micic, SRB

Silver - Rei Higuchi, JPN

Bronze - Arsen Harutyunyan, ARM

Bronze - Zelimkhan Abakarov, ALB

5th Place - Zaur Uguev, RUS (Nachyn Mongush)

Continentals Qualifiers

Pan-Ams - Darian Cruz, PUR

Pan-Ams - Roman Bravo-Young, MEX

African & Oceania - Gamal Mohamad, EGY

African & Oceania - Diamantino Iuna Fafe, GBS

Euros - Aliabbas Rzazade, AZE

Euros - Vladimir Egorov, MKD

Asians - Bekzat Almaz Uulu, KGZ

Asians - Gulomjon Abdullaev, UZB

Last Chance World Qualifier

Spencer Lee, USA

Aman Sehrawat, IND

Wanhao Zou, CHN

57 kg Olympians' Accolades 

Stevan Micic, SRB - 2023 World Champion, 2022 World Bronze

Rei Higuchi, JPN - 2022 World Champion, 2023 World Silver, 2016 Olympic Silver

Zelimkhan Abakarov, ALB - 2022 World Champion, 2023 World Bronze

Arsen Harutyunyan, ARM - 2021, 2022, & 2023 World Bronze

Gulomjon Abdullaev, UZB - 2016 U20 World Bronze

Aman Sehrawat, IND - 2022 U23 World Champion, 2023 Asian Gold, 2018 & 2019 U17 World Bronze

Spencer Lee, USA - 2015 & 2016 U20 World Champion, 2014 U17 World Champion

Aliabbas Rzazade, AZE - 2021 U23 World Champion, 2016 U20 World Bronze, 2023 European Champion

Bekzat Almaz Uulu, KGZ - 2022 & 2023 U23 World Bronze

Wanhao Zou, CHN - 2018 U23 World Bronze

Aryan Tsiutryan, BLR - 2021 World Bronze

57 kg Olympic Seeds

1. Stevan Micic, SRB
2. Rei Higuchi, JPN
3. Arsen Harutyunyan, ARM
4. Meirambek Kartbay, KAZ
5. Zelimkhan Abakarov, ALB
6. Aman Sehrawat, IND
7. Wanhao Zou, CHN
8. Gulomjon Abdullaev, UZB

The Favorites

• Stevan Micic, SRB
• Rei Higuchi, JPN
• Zelimkhan Abakarov, ALB 

The above three wrestlers are all past world champions highlighting the insane parity at 57 kg. Stevan Micic is the most recent world champion and went on an incredible run last year in Serbia defeating Zaur Uguev, Zelimkhan Abakarov, and Rei Higuchi in consecutive matches to claim gold. Beyond last year’s performance, Micic won bronze at Worlds in 2022, losing only to the aforementioned Abakarov. This will be Micic’s second Olympic Games and he’ll be looking for redemption after going 0-1 at the Tokyo Olympics 3 years ago. If Micic can replicate his performance from the past two years at Worlds, we can expect him to bring home hardware from Paris.

Micic's win over Rei Higuchi in the 2023 World Finals:

Rei Higuchi's win over Arsen Harutyunyan at the 2023 World Championships:

Zelimkhan Abakarov has stormed onto the 57 kg scene the past two years after transferring from Russia to Albania. Abakarov won a world title in 2022, defeating Stevan Micic (6-1) in the semis and Thomas Gilman (7-2) in the finals. Though Abakarov lost to Micic at 2023 Worlds, he won bronze by defeating Zaur Uguev 4-4. Abakarov has outstanding success scoring early to build a lead and then rely on his world-class defense to win matches. 

Zelimkhan Abakarov's win over Zaur Uguev at the 2023 World Championships:

The Contenders

• Spencer Lee, USA
• Arsen Harutyunyan, ARM
• Gulomjon Abdullaev, UZB 
• Aman Sehrawat, IND
• Nachyn Mongush, AIN (RUS)

Spencer Lee has had a fantastic 6 months on the senior level and will carry incredible momentum into the Paris Olympics. Lee started his run on the senior level last November when he won the Bill Farrell and then followed that up a month later by winning Senior Nationals. Then, at the Olympic Trials, Lee won gold after defeating world champion Thomas Gilman in two straight matches - 6-3 and by pin. However, because 57 kg wasn’t qualified for the United States, Lee had to go to the final World Olympic Qualifier to punch his ticket to Paris. At the qualifier, Lee went 4-0 to earn his Olympic bid while teching 3 of his 4 opponents. 

While Lee has been impressive over the past 6 months, there are still questions on how he will perform against the favorites at this weight class. In fact, Lee’s tight, 10-9 win over China’s Wanhao Zou at the Olympic Qualifier raised some concerns about his baseline defense. Despite that result and his lack of results on the senior level, all Lee has done throughout his career is win at the highest level. He is a three-time age-level world champion and his par terre offense makes him a threat to end any match once he gets on top. American fans have big expectations for Lee in Paris, and I believe Lee has what it takes to defeat every wrestler in the world at 57 kg.

Spencer Lee's matches at the World Olympic Qualifier:

Arsen Harutyunyan's win over Stevan Micic at the 2020 Individual World Cup:

At the Tokyo Olympics, Gulomjon Abdullaev was less than 10 seconds away from defeating eventual champion Zaur Uguev but ended up losing 8-6 after giving up a 4-point inside trip. That almost-win wasn’t a fluke for Abdulallaev. He has notable wins over Aman, Ravi Kumar, and Wanhao Zou making him one of the best wrestlers in this bracket without a senior world medal. The problem for Abdullaev has been his consistency on the biggest stages. Abdullaev has dropped some matches against lower-ranked wrestlers but if he’s wrestling his best, he has the potential to medal at the Olympics.

India’s Aman Sehrawat is another wrestler who should be considered a contender at the Paris Games at 57 kg. Just 21 years old, Aman is one of India’s best wrestlers and is getting better every time he takes the mat. He’s already a U17 and U23 World Champion and boasts wins over Wanhao Zou, Zane Richards, Almaz Smanbekov, and Luke Lilledahl. Aman wrestles at an incredibly high pace and can often overwhelm his opponents with his pressure and length. The biggest weakness I notice in Aman’s game right now is his defense - both in the neutral and par terre position. This was highlighted recently when the aforementioned Gulomjon Abdullaev defeated Aman by tech fall at the Asian Olympic Qualifier. That deficiency, in my opinion, will likely keep Aman from making a deep run in this bracket. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if he can knock off one of the more established vets at 57 kg. 

Aman's win over Zane Richards at the 2024 Zagreb Open:

Russia's Nachyn Mongush is the only 57 kg wrestler approved by the IOC to compete at the Olympic Games. Originally, Russia was planning on sending world and Olympic champion Zaur Uguev to Paris but he wasn't deemed eligible to compete as a neutral athlete. Mongush is a step behind Uguev but is still a dangerous wrestler to watch out for at the Games. Mongush won a U23 World title in 2023 and finished second at Russian Nationals in 2021 and 2022 along with a bronze medal finish at Russian Nationals in 2023. Mongush is an incredible athlete and has big move potential but might struggle against some of the wrestlers in the field who are high-level leg attackers like Stevan Micic, Spencer Lee, Rei Higuchi, and Zelimkhan Abakarov. Even still, I expect Mongush to threaten the best guys in the bracket at 57 kg and he's capable of winning a medal in Paris.

Mongush's loss to Zaur Uguev in the 2021 Russian Nationals Finals:

Sleepers & Landmines

• Roman Bravo-Young, MEX
• Aliabbas Rzazade, AZE 
• Wanhao Zou, CHN 

The above three wrestlers are all guys I’m not picking to win a medal but are dangerous first-round draws for anyone in the bracket. Roman Bravo-Young highlights this group with 2 straight tournaments since his transfer to Mexico. RBY won both the Henri Deglane in January and then followed that up by qualifying for the Olympics at the Pan-Am Olympic Qualifier. At both of those tournaments, RBY displayed his lightning-quick reattacks along with an effective side-head lock turn on top. RBY’s biggest weakness so far has been his inability to generate his offense and his over-reliance on counter-offense. RBY might have trouble opening up some of the more defensive wrestlers in this bracket like Zelimkhan Abakarov or Arsen Harutyunyan. However, because the field hasn’t seen much of RBY, I believe he could surprise a lot of people in Paris and has the potential to bring home a medal.

Roman Bravo-Young's win over Oscar Tigreros to qualify for the 2024 Olympics:

Aliabbas Rzazade's win over Wanhao Zou at the 2023 Zagreb Open:

The final wrestler in this group is China’s Wanhao Zou who American fans know for his close loss to Spencer Lee at the final World Olympic Qualifier. Despite the loss, Zou went on to qualify for the Olympics with 3 straight wins over tough competition. Zou has never medaled at a senior world championships but won bronze at U23 worlds in 2018 and placed 5th at senior worlds in 2022. On top of those finishes, Zou has notable career wins over world medalist Horst Lehr, world medalist Alireza Sarlak, and Aliabbas Rzazade. Zou is a strong 57 kg wrestler who usually wrestles a “stingy” style making it difficult for his opponents to score more than a few points against him. Again, I don’t think he will win a medal, but he’ll be a tough match for anyone in the bracket.

Wanhao Zou's match against Spencer Lee at the World Olympic Games Qualifier:

57 kg 2024 Olympic Predictions

I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if one of 5 different guys in this bracket took home gold from Paris - there’s that much parity among the top wrestlers at this weight. However, even with all of the depth at 57 kg, I’m picking Spencer Lee to win gold. It might be my American bias, but I think Lee’s ability to finish leg attacks quickly and his unbelievable par terre offense will be the difference maker for him at the Olympics. He’s getting better every time we see him and I believe will see the best version of Spencer Lee in Paris.

Full Medal Predictions:

Gold - Spencer Lee, USA

Silver - Zelimkhan Abakarov, ALB

Bronze - Stevan Micic, SRB

Bronze - Rei Higuchi, JPN

The 65 kg 2024 Olympic Participants

Worlds

Gold - Ismail Musukaev, HUN

Silver - Sebastian Rivera, PUR

Bronze - Shamil Mamedov, RUS - *not competing

Bronze - Vazgen Tevanyan, ARM

5th Place - Rahman Amouzad, IRI

Continentals Qualifiers

Pan-Ams - Alejandro Valdes, CUB

Pan-Ams - Austin Gomez, MEX

African & Oceania - Georgii Okrokovv, AUS

African & Oceania -  Gaku Akazawa, SAM

Euros - Haji Aliyev, AZE

Euros - Goderdzi Dzebisashvili, GEO

Asians - Kotaro Kiyooka, JPN

Asians - Ernazar Akmataliev, KGZ

Last Chance World Qualifier

Tulga Tumur-Ochir, MGL

Islam Dudaev, ALB

Zain Retherford, USA

Replacement

Maxim Sacultan, MDA - replacing Shamil Mamedov, RUS

65 kg Olympians' Accolades

• Ismail Musukaev, HUN - 2023 World Champion, 2019 & 2022 World Bronze
• Sebastian Rivera, PUR - 2023 World Silver
• Vazgen Tevanyan, ARM - 2023 World Bronze, 2022 U23 World Champion, 2021 U23 World Silver, 2018 U20 World Bronze
• Rahman Amouzad, IRI - 2022 World Champion, 2021 U20 World Champion, 2018 & 2019 U17 World Champion
• Alejandro Valdes, CUB - 2017 & 2018 World Bronze
• Haji Aliyev, AZE - 2014, 2015, & 2017 World Champion, 2020 Olympic Silver, 2016 Olympic Bronze
• Ernazar Akmataliev, KGZ - 2021 World Silver, 2022 World Bronze, 2021 U23 World Champion
• Tulga Tumur-Ochir, MGL - 2021 World Bronze 
• Islam Dudaev, ALB - 2017 & 2018 U23 World Bronze
• Zain Retherford, USA - 2023 World Champion, 2022 World Silver, 2012 U17 World Champion

Current 65 kg Olympic Seeding

1. Vazgen Tevanyan, ARM
2. Rahman Amouzad, IRI
3. Ismail Musukaev, HUN
4. Sebastian Rivera, PUR
5. Maxim Sacultan, MDA
6. Haji Aliyev, AZE
7. Islam Dudaev, ALB
8. Tulga Tumur-Ochir, MGL

The Favorites

• Ismail Musukaev, HUN
• Rahman Amouzad, IRI

As the 2023 World Champion, Ismail Musukaev headlines the group of favorites at 65 kg. Musukaev went on an amazing run last year to claim gold at Worlds by defeating Takuto Otoguro (6-1), Shamil Mamedov (5-4), Rahman Amouzad (6-5), and Sebastian Rivera (11-0) in consecutive matches. Musukaev has always been known to have world-class offense but his conditioning has been his biggest weakness. Musukaev seemingly overcame that deficiency last year and even scored late takedowns to secure his victories in his matches against Mamedov and Amouzad. If Musukaev wrestles in Paris like he did last year in Serbia, he’s the man to beat at the Olympics.

Check out a breakdown of Musukaev's incredible story:

The final wrestler who should be considered a favorite in this weight class is Iran’s 2022 world champ Rahman Amouzad. That year, Amouzad defeated Ismail Musukaev (6-0), Haji Aliyev (9-2), and Yanni Diakomihalis (13-8). On top of those wins, Amouzad best career wins on the senior level include victories over Nick Lee, Tulga Tumur-Ochir, Bajrang Punia, and Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu. Amouzad is one of the biggest 65 kg wrestlers in the bracket and his size, along with underhook pressure, makes him a challenging matchup for anyone in this bracket.

Amouzad's win over Yianni Diakomihalis in the 2022 World Cup:

Contenders

• Tulga Tumur-Ochir, MGL
• Ernazar Akmataliev, KGZ
• Zain Retherford, USA
• Haji Aliyev, AZE
• Vazgen Tevanyan, ARM

The number of above contenders highlights just how deep 65 kg really is. Of the 5 wrestlers listed, Tulga Tumur-Ochir is the one I considered moving up to the favorites category. However, he does have losses in the past year to Haji Aliyev (at 2023 worlds), Ernazar Akmataliev (at 70 kg), and Rahman Amouzad (at 2024 Asians). Despite those losses, Tumur-Ochir has established himself as one of the best wrestlers in the world at 65 kg and has recent wins over Zain Retherford, Rahman Amouzad, Nick Lee, Ismail Musukaev, Joey McKenna, Yianni Diakomihalis, and Vazgen Tevanyan. Tumur-Ochir’s offense and athleticism are as good as any in this weight class and no one should be surprised if he becomes Mongolia’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist.

Tumur-Ochir's wins over Ismail Musukaev, Nick Lee, Yianni Diakomihalis, and more:

Zain Retherford may have lost to Tumur-Ochir at the final Olympic Qualifier but Retherford is absolutely a medal contender in Paris. Retherford won 6 matches against world-class competition in order to qualify the weight and is coming off a world title at 70 kg. Retherford doesn’t have head-to-head matches with many of the competitors in this bracket but his win over Abdulmazhid Kudiev at the Olympic Qualifier is a great measuring stick. Kudiev notably has 3 wins in the past 18 months against Shamil Mamedov and while you can’t attribute those wins to Retherford, it does show that Retherford is right there with the best in the world at 65 kg. It is worth noting that Retherford won’t be seeded so it will be interesting to see where he’s drawn into the bracket. 

Zain Retherford's win in the 70 kg 2023 World Finals over Amir Yazdani:

Haji Aliyev is the most credentialed wrestler of any in the bracket. Aliyev is a 3-time world champion and already has 2 Olympic medals (bronze in 2016 and silver in 2020). Aliyev is 33 years-old and might be past his prime, but he’s a crafty vet who's capable of finding ways to defeat high-level opponents. In fact, Aliyev defeated Tulga Tumur-Ochir at last year’s world championships in a tight, 3-3 match. I’m not picking Aliyev to win gold in Paris, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes out one of the favorites and comes away with his third Olympic medal. 

Haji Aliyev's win over Tumur-Ochir at the 2023 World Championships:

Vazgen Tevanyan is the final contender in this list and is coming off a bronze medal finish from the 2023 World Championships. Tevanyan is currently holding the number 1 seed and has an incredible hitlist that includes wins over Haji Aliyev, Sebastian Rivera, Joey McKenna, Yianni Diakomihalis, and Ismail Musukaev. Tevanyan has stingy defense and a great gut wrench that allows him to win tight matches against some of the top guys in the world. Similar to Aliyev, I’m not picking Tevanyan to come away with gold, but he’s absolutely a medal threat and is capable of knocking off Musukaev, Amouzad, or Mamedov. 

Tevanyan's win over Sebastian Rivera at the 2024 Zagreb Open:

Sleepers & Landmines

• Sebastian Rivera, PUR
• Austin Gomez, MEX
• Kotaro Kiyooka, JPN
• Islam Dudaev, ALB

In other weight classes, the above group of four wrestlers might be considered contenders but because of the depth at 65 kg, these wrestlers aren’t guys I’m picking to medal. I want to start with Sebastian Rivera considering he’s the returning world silver medalist. Rivera had an incredible world championship last year and even defeated Vazgen Tevanyan in a wild, 10-9 match to reach the finals. However, that result is an outlier for Rivera compared to the rest of his career. At the 2024 Zagreb Open, Rivera lost to Tevnayan (9-1), then lost to Joey McKenna (10-0). Before last year’s worlds, Rivera was teched by Cuba’s Alejandro Valdes at the Pan Am Championships. Unlike last year where Rivera only had to go through one, world-class wrestler, things won’t be as “easy” at the Olympics and Rivera will likely need to defeat 3 wrestlers on par with or better than Tevanyan. I believe he’s capable but Rivera will need to wrestle his best and pull off an upset or two to reach the medal stand in Paris. 

Rivera's win over Tevanyan at the 2023 World Championships:

Austin Gomez is another wrestler with American ties who will be a landmine in the 65 kg bracket. The two-time All-American qualified for the Olympics by defeating Nick Lee in a wild 22-12 match highlighted by numerous 4-point moves for Gomez. That win was the best of Gomez’s senior-level career and he’s never wrestled anyone in the Olympic bracket. Gomez’s ability to hit big moves, along with him being an unknown to the field, could make Gomez the perfect candidate for pulling off the upset of the tournament against one of the more established vets at 65 kg. 

Austin Gomez's win over Nick Lee at the Pan-Am Olympic Games Qualifier:

Islam Dudaev is the final wrestler worth mentioning at 65 kg who has the potential to pull off an upset and shake-up the bracket. Dudaev is a Russian now representing Albania with his most notable result coming at the European Championship where he won gold by defeating Russia’s Gadzhimurad Rashidov (2019 world champ and Olympic bronze medalist). Along with that result, Dudaev also won bronze at the 2023 U23 World Championship where he defeated Tulga Tumur-Ochir (10-9). Dudaev's inconsistency over the past few years is the main reason he isn't listed as one of the contenders. He’s never placed at senior world championships and has recent losses to Nick Lee, Haji Aliyev, and several other wrestlers who aren’t at or near the top of the 65 kg weight class. 

Dudaev's win over Rashidov at the 2024 European Championships:

65 kg Olympic Predictions

65 kg is one of the deepest weights in the Olympics, making it incredibly challenging to predict. Despite that, I won't shy away from making my prediction and I'm taking Iran's Rahman Amouzad to come out of Paris with a gold medal. Though Amouzad failed to medal last year, he only narrowly lost to Mamedov and Musukaev. Beyond that, he was the 2022 World Champ and has wins over almost every wrestler in the field. Amouzad has a style that will challenge everyone at 65 kg and I think he turns that into a gold medal performance in Paris. 

Full 65 kg Olympic Medal Predictions

Gold - Rahman Amouzad, IRI

Silver - Tulga Tumur-Ochir, MGL

Bronze - Ismail Musukaev, HUN

Bronze - Zain Retherford

The 74 kg 2024 Olympic Participants

Qualified At 2023 Worlds

Gold - Zaurbek Sidakov, AIN (RUS) - *ineligible

Silver - Kyle Dake, USA

Bronze - Khetik Tsabolov, SRB

Bronze - Daichi Takatani, JPN

5th Place - Georgios Kougioumtsidis, GRE

Sidakov Replacement - Feng Lu, CHN

Continentals Qualifiers

Pan-Ams - Geandry Garzon, CUB

Pan-Ams - Anthony Montero, VEN

African & Oceania - Amr Hussen, EGY

African & Oceania -  Bacar Ndum, GBS

Euros - Turan Bayramov, AZE

Euros - Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov, AIN (BLR) - *initially ruled ineligible but now cleared to compete

Kadimagomedov's Replacement - Frank Chamizo, ITA

Asians - Razambek Zhamalov, UZB

Asians - Younes Emami, IRI

Last Chance World Qualifier

Tajmuraz Salkazanov, SVK

Viktor Rassadin, TJK

Chermen Valiev, ALB

74 kg Olympians' Accolades 

• Kyle Dake, USA - 2020 Olympic Bronze, 4-time World Champion, 2023 World Silver
• Frank Chamizo, ITA - 2015 & 2017 World Champion, 2019 World Silver, 2016 Olympic Bronze
• Khetik Tsabolov, SRB - 2014 World Champion, 2017 World Silver, 2023 World Bronze, 
• Daichi Takatani, JPN - 2023 World Bronze, 2014 U20 World Bronze, 2011 U17 World Bronze
• Geandry Garzon, CUB - 2010 World Bronze, 2007 World Silver, 2006 World Silver, 2005 World World Bronze
• Younes Emami, IRI - 2019 & 2022 World Bronze, 2017 U23 World Bronze, 2013 U17 World Silver
• Tajmuraz Salkazanov, SVK - 2021 & 2022 World Silver, 2019 World Bronze, 2018 U23 World Champion
• Bekzod Abdurakhmonov, UZB - 2020 Olympic Bronze, 2014 & 2018 World Bronze
• Georgios Kougioumtsidis, GRE - 2018 U17 World Silver
• Turan Bayramov, AZE - 2019 U23 World Champion, 2021 & 2019 U20 World Bronze, 2018 U17 World Champion 
• Chermen Valiev, ALB - 2021 U23 World Champion, 2019 U23 World Silver
• Razambek Zhamalov, UZB - 2019 U23 World Champion, 2018 U20 World Silver

74 kg Olympic Seeds

1. Kyle Dake, USA
2. Turan Bayramov, AZE
3. Georgios Kougioumtsidis, GRE
4. Daichi Takatani
5. Kehtik Tsabolov, SRB
6. Feng Lu, CHN
7. Tajmuraz Salkazanov, SVK
8. Baca Ndum, GBS

Zaurbek Sidakov

Russia's three-time world champion and Tokyo Olympic champion Zaurbek Sidakov has not been cleared by the IOC to compete at the Paris Olympics. Because of the war with Ukraine, Russian athletes had to be cleared to compete as neutral athletes at the Olympics and Sidakov did not meet the proper requirements to compete.

The Favorite - Kyle Dake's Quest For Olympic Gold

• Kyle Dake, USA

With Zaurbek Sidakov out of the Olympics, Kyle Dake is a huge favorite to win gold in Paris. Dake has head-to-head victories over many of the top wrestlers in this field with wins over fellow Olympians Frank Chamizo, Tajmuraz Salkazanov, Georgios Kougioumtsidis, Daichi Takatani, Younes Emami, and Geandry Garzon. Dake is a 4-time world champion and has only suffered 2 losses in the last 6 years - one to Sidakov in the 2023 World Finals and the other to Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov at the Tokyo Olympics. Dake has proven to be a tier above everyone else in the world at 74 kg and will be the favorite in every match in Paris. 

Kyle Dake's win in the 2021 World Finals over Tajmuraz Salkazanov:

The Contenders - Who Can Defeat Dake?

• Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov, AIN (BLR)
• Khetik Tsabolov, SRB
• Razambek Zhamalov, UZB
• Frank Chamizo, ITA

There are several medal contenders at 74 kg but the above wrestlers pose the biggest threat to knocking off Dake. First up is the aforementioned Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov who shocked Kyle Dake at the Tokyo Olympics with an 11-0 tech fall in the quarterfinals. Beyond the win over Dake, Kadimagomedov also boasts a victory over Zaurbek Sidakov from the 2017 Russian Nationals in a controversial 6-2 decision. That makes Kadimagomedov the only man in the world who holds wins over both Dake and Sidakov. So why isn’t Kadi a favorite to win gold at the Olympics? This is mainly due to Kadi’s performance at last year’s world championships where he lost in the first round to Georgios Kougioumtsidis. Despite that loss, Kadimagomedov is still one of the best 74 kg wrestlers in the world and he’ll be a dangerous opponent for anyone in this bracket in Paris. 

Kadimagomedov’s win over Sidakov from the 2017 Russian Nationals:

Khetik Tsabolov is another contender to watch out for at 74 kg. Tsabolov is a former Russian, and now represents Serbia internationally. Tsabolov won a bronze medal at last year’s world championships where he lost narrowly to Sidakov (6-4) but defeated Turan Bayramov and Younes Emami. A 2014 World Champion, Tsabolov has been one of the best wrestlers in the world for a decade and even holds two wins over Zaurbek Sidakov. Tsabolov defeated Sidakov 3-1 at the 2018 Yarygin and 9-3 at the 2020 Russian Nationals. Tsabolov will be the #5 seed at the Olympics so he’ll be opposite Sidakov but on the same side as Dake. Tsabolov and Dake have never wrestled in their international careers and would be an incredible Olympic semi-final match.

Tsabolov’s win over Sidakov from the 2020 Russian Nationals: 

Another contender at 74 kg is Razambek Zhamalov who just earned the Olympic spot by winning the Budapest Ranking Series tournament by defeating Murad Kuramgomedov in the finals. Zhamalov beat out veteran Bekzod Abdurakhmonov for the Olympic spot - Bekzod won bronze at the Budapest Rankings Tournament and lost to the aforementioned Kuramagomeodov.

Zhamalov is a Russian transfer who is just 26 years old and hasn’t yet wrestled at a senior worlds or Olympics. Zhamalov has battled injuries over the past few years and has been stuck behind Sidakov at 74 kg for Russia. However, no∂w healthy and representing Uzbekistan, Zhamalov has the ability to win gold in Paris. Zhamalov has career wins over Khetik Tsabolov, Frank Chamizo, Tajmuraz Salkazanov, Mohammad Nokhodi, and several other top wrestlers in the world. Zhamalov also wrestled Sidakov to a 2-2 loss at the 2021 Russian Nationals and is absolutely capable of winning gold in Paris. 

Zhamalov's recent win in the finals of the Budapest Ranking Series Tournament over Murad Kuramgomedov:

Chamzio initially failed to qualify after losing a controversial match to Turan Bayramov at the European Qualifier then Chamizo lost a close, 5-5 decision to Chermen Valiev at the World Qualifier. However, Chamizo was allowed into the Olympics as a late replacement for Kadimagomedov (who was later ruled eligible). Despite being a little past his prime, Chamizo is as dangerous as anyone in the field and has notable career wins over Razambek Zhamalov, Jordan Burroughs, Khetik Tsabolov, Turan Bayramov, and several other top-ranked wrestlers in the world. Chamizo has also wrestled Kyle Dake twice but was unsuccessful in both matches losing 5-0 at the Olympics and 4-3 in 2020. 

Who Else Can Medal At 74 kg? So Many Russians…

• Tajmuraz Salkazanov, SVK
• Viktor Rassadin, TJK
• Chermen Valiev, ALB
• Daichi Takatani, JPN
• Younes Emami, IRI

If you consider the number of wrestlers who are capable of medaling at the Olympics, 74 kg might be the deepest weight in the world. I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the above five wrestlers medal in Paris - they’re all that good and have had results that suggest they’re able to reach the podium. Of the above list, there are 3 Russians now representing other countries who are medal threats. If you’ve been keeping track, there’s a total of 7 Russians who will be wrestling in the 74 kg bracket at the Olympics. That stat is remarkable in and of itself but also shows how good Sidakov is that so many top-tier wrestlers had to transfer to other countries in order to compete at the Olympics.

Tajmuraz Salkazanov is the most accomplished as a two-time world silver medalist, world bronze medalist, and 4-time European Champion. Salkazanov is a Russian now representing Slovakia and has career victories over Razambek Zhamalov, Frank Chamizo, Turan Bayramov, Soner Demirtas, David Baev, Younes Emami, and a host of other top guys at 74 kg. Salkazanov had his worst performance at the world championships last year when he was upset by Georgios Kougioumtsidis and failed to place. Salkazanov has also never defeated Kyle Dake or Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov despite wrestling them multiple times. Salkazanov might not be a gold medal favorite but his overall results prove he’ll contend for a medal in this deep bracket.

Salkazanov's win over Zhamalov at the 2021 European Championships:

Viktor Rassadin and Cherman Valiev are two other medal threats in the 74 kg field who are also Russians now representing other countries. Rassadin never made a senior world team but placed at Russian Nationals 4 times (silver in 2016 & 2017 and bronze in 2014 & 2022). Most recently, Rassadin won a silver medal at the Asian championships and qualified for the Olympics at the World Olympic Games Qualifier where he defeated Chermen Valiev, Zelimkhan Khadjiev, and Nurkozha Kaipanov. 

Despite losing to Rassadin at the World Olympic Qualifier, Chermen Valiev punched his ticket to Paris by defeating bast world medalists Frank Chamizo and Avtandil Kentchadze at the qualifier. Valiev has some of the best defense in the world and has several notable wins in his senior-level career including victories over Jason Nolf, Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov, David Baev, Viktor Rassadin, Timur Bizhoev, and several other top guys in the world. Valiev won a U23 world title in 2021 but has never competed at a senior world championships. 

Valiev's win over Jason Nolf in the finals of the 2021 Yarygin:

The two non-Russian medal contenders are Japan’s Daichi Takatani and Iran’s Younes Emami. Both are past world medalists with Takatani winning world bronze last year and Emami claiming bronze in 2019 and 2022. Takatani surprised everyone last year when he took out Frank Chamizo in the first round at worlds and then suffered a close loss to Kyle Dake, 6-4. Takatani has lightning-quick leg attacks to both sides of the body and has the athleticism to compete with anyone in this weight class.

Takatani's win over Frank Chamizo at the 2023 World Championships:

Emami lost to Zaurbek Sidakov (6-0) and Khetik Tsabolov (11-4) last year and failed to bring home a medal Worlds. However, his overall ledger proves he’ll be a tough out in Paris and has the senior level victories to back that up. In the past few years, Emami has notable victories over Avtandil Kentchadze, Tajmuraz Salkazanov, Turan Bayramov, Daichi Takatani, and James Green. This will be Emami’s first Olympics and we can expect the best from him in Paris. 

Emami's win over Salkazanov at the 2023 Zagreb Open:

Sleepers And Landmines

• Turan Bayramov, AZE
• Georgios Kougioumtsidis, GRE

The above two wrestlers are guys who I would be surprised to see on the medal stand but wouldn’t be shocked if they defeated any of the contenders. Georgios Kougioumtsidis is only 22 years old and won a European championship in 2022 up at 79 kg. Beyond that, Kougioumtsidis had a breakout performance at last year’s world championships where he upset Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov in the first round and also took out two-time world silver medalist Tajmuraz Salkaznov before falling to Kyle Dake and Daichi Takatani. Despite those two losses, Kougioumtsidis defeated Turan Bayramov in the true 5th-place match to punch his ticket to the Olympics. Kougioumtsidis is one of the better scramblers at 74 kg and has a variety of leg attacks to threaten any opponent he’ll face in the bracket.

Kougioumtsidis' win over Kadimagomedov at the 2023 World Championships:

Azerbaijan’s Turan Bayramov is only 23 and has won both U17 and U23 world titles. Bayramov is a crafty wrestler whose limp leg defense might be the best in the world. Bayramov has defeated several past world medalists including James Green, Frank Chamizo, Vasyl Mykhailov, and Soner Demirtas. So why don’t I consider him a legitimate medal contender? Bayramov has a hard time wrestling a full six minutes and will often lose matches late. Beyond that, Bayramov struggles to generate his own offense against some of the best defensive wrestlers in the world. Bayramov has all of the talent to reach the podium but he’ll have to improve on some holes in his game before the Olympics. 

Bayramov's win over James Green at the 2021 World Championships:

Who Wins Gold At 74 kg?

Kyle Dake is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the history of American wrestling but an Olympic gold medal is the one accolade he's missing. I believe Dake is the best wrestler in the 74kg bracket and will finally win Olympic gold in Paris. Dake will be tested by many of the Russian transfers but Dake is the most complete wrestler in the field and should be considered the gold medal favorite. 

Full 74 kg Medal Predictions

Gold - Kyle Dake, USA

Silver - Razambek Zhamalov, UZB

Bronze - Tajmuraz Salkazanov, SVK

Bronze - Chermen Valiev, ALB

The 86 kg 2024 Olympic Participants

Qualified At Worlds

Gold - Aaron Brooks, USA (David Taylor qualified)

Silver - Hassan Yazdani, IRI

Bronze - Myles Amine, SMR

Bronze - Azamat Dauletbekov, KAZ

5th - Javrail Shapiev, USB

Continental Qualifiers

Pan-Ams - Ethan Ramos, PUR

Pan-Ams - Alexander Moore, CAN

African & Oceania - Jayden Lawrence, AUS

African & Oceania - Fateh Benferdjallah, ALG

Euros - Artur Naifonov, AIN (RUS)- *Inelligible 

Euros - Osman Nurmagomedov, AZE

Asians - Hayato Ishiguro, JPN

Asians - Bat-Erdene Byambasuren, MGL

Naifonov's replacement - Vasyl Mykhailov, UKR

At Last Chance World Qualifier

Dauren Kurugliev, GRE

Magomed Ramazanov, BUL

Vladimeri Gamkrelidze, GEO

86 kg Olympians' Accolades

• Hassan Yazdani, IRI - 2016 Olympic Champion, 2020 Olympic Silver Medalist, 2017, 2019, & 2021 World Champion, 2015, 2022, & 2023 World Silver, 2018 World Bronze
• Myles Amine, SMR - 2020 Olympic Bronze, 2023 World Bronze
• Azamat Dauletbekov, KAZ - 2022 & 2023 World Bronze
• Osman Nurmagomedov, AZE - 2023 World Silver (at 92 kg), 2021 & 2022 World Bronze (at 92 kg)
• Vladimeri Gamkrelidze, GEO - 2022 & 2023 World Bronze (at 79 kg)
• Aaron Brooks, USA - 2023 U23 World Champion, 2018 U20 World Silver, 2017 U17 World Champion
• Hayato Ishiguro, JPN - 2018 U20 World Champion, 2019 U23 World Bronze
• Bat Erdene Byambasuren, MGL - 2018 U20 World Bronze
• Dauren Kurugliev, GRE - 2020 Individual World Cup Champion
• Vasyl Mykhailov - 2023 World Bronze (at 79 kg)

86 kg Olympic Seeds

1. Azamat Dauletbekov, KAZ
2. Hasan Yazdani, IRI
3. Myles Amine, SMR
4. Javrail Shapiev, UZB
5. Magomed Ramazanov, BUL
6. Bat-Erdene Byambasuren, MGL
7. Dauren Kurugliev, GRE
8. Hayato Ishiguro, JPN

The Favorite

• Hassan Yazdani, IRI

Hassan Yazdani is by far the most credentialed wrestler in field and should be considered the favorite to win gold in Paris. Yazdani is a two-time Olympic medalist (gold in 2016 & silver in 2020) and has placed at the World Championships 7 different times (3-time gold medalist). 

As impressive as Yazdani’s accolades are, what’s even more impressive is his dominance against the 86 kg field, minus David Taylor, over the past 7 years. If you remove the matches against Taylor, Yazdani is 26-0 at the World Championships and Olympics since 2017. Of those matches, Yazdani outscored his opponents by a combined score of 238-23 while tallying 16 techs, 3 pins, and 1 forfeit. To make it simple, outside of David Taylor, no one in the world has been close to beating Hassan Yazdani. Now that Taylor is not in the field, Yazdani is the favorite to win gold in the 86 kg bracket.

Yazdani's win over David Taylor at the 2021 World Championships:

Who Can Beat Yazdani?

• Aaron Brooks, USA

While Yazdani is the clear favorite, Aaron Brooks biggest threat to Yazdani of any wrestler in the bracket. What makes this fascinating is both Brooks will be unseeded going into the Olympics and randomly drawn into the 86 kg bracket. That means Brooks could be drawn in on the same side of the bracket as Hassan Yazdani, Myles Amine, and Arslan Bagaev.

Aaron Brooks shocked the wrestling world when he defeated David Taylor in two straight matches at the Olympic Trials. It’s not unreasonable to think Aaron Brooks can defeat Hassan Yazdani considering David Taylor is 5-1. However, the “transitive property” doesn’t always work in wrestling and Yazdani will pose a unique challenge that Brooks has likely never felt in his wrestling career. The Penn State camp will certainly have Brooks prepared and I believe Brooks possesses the perfect style to deal with Yazdani’s underhooks and pace. 

Aaron Brooks' win in the finals of the 2023 U23 World Championships:

Medal Contenders

• Dauren Kurugliev, GRE
• Myles Amine, SMR
• Azamat Dauletbekov, KAZ
• Javrail Shapiev, UZB
• Hayato Ishiguro, JPN
• Magomed Ramazanov, BUL
• Osman Nurmagomedov, AZE

I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the above 7 wrestlers bring home a medal from Paris - there’s that much parity in the weight and these wrestlers have all traded wins and losses with one another over the past few years. Of this group, Dauren Kurugliev might be the most dangerous. Kurugliev is a Russian now representing Greece and has past victories over Artur Naifonov and Myles Amine. Kurugliev was also Russia’s 86 kg representative at the 2018 world championships where he placed 5th losing competitive matches to both David Taylor (8-6) and Hassan Yazdani (11-5). Kurugliev will be a threat to everyone in this bracket and as the #7 will likely wrestle #2 seed Yazdani in the quarter-finals with the potential to be one of the best quarters of the entire Olympics.

Dauren Kurugliev's match against David Taylor at the 2018 World Championships:

As a world and Olympic bronze medalist, Myles Amine is the most credentialed wrestler in this group and will be the #3 seed at the Olympics. That means Amine will be on the same side of the bracket as Yazdani and Kurugliev so the path to the finals, and medal stand, will be a battle. Amine has improved against Yazdani going from getting teched 11-0 at the 2019 World Championships to losing 7-2 at the 2023 World Championships. Beyond that, Amine defeated Kurugliev (3-2) at the 2023 Hungarian Ranking Series Tournament but also has two, close losses to Kurugliev. If he doesn’t pull off the huge upset over Yazdani, Amine will likely have to defeat Kurugliev to medal at the Olympics.

Myles Amine's win in the bronze medal match of the 2023 World Championships over Javrail Shapiev:

Azamat Dauletbekov will be the top seed at the Olympics and could potentially have a great path to the finals with Yazdani, Amine, and Kurugliev all sitting on the bottom side. Dauletbekov is a two-time world bronze medalist and has recent wins over fellow Olympians Myles Amine and Javrail Shapiev. However, Dauletbekov lost to #8 seed, and potential quarter-final opponent Hayato Ishiguro at the Budapest Ranking Series tournament earlier this month. Like the other contenders in this bracket, Dauletbekov certainly isn’t a medal lock in Paris. 

Dauletbekov's win over Myles Amine at the 2024 Budapest Ranking Series Tournament:

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Uzbekistan’s Javrail Shapiev has never medaled at a World Championships but his recent results suggest he’s capable of reaching the podium at the Olympics. Shapiev is coming off three impressive tournament performances placing second at the 2024 Asian Championships, third at the 2023 Asian Games, and 5th at the 2023 World Championships. At worlds, Shapiev notably teched Hayato Ishiguro before losing to Hassan Yazdani and Myles Amine. At the Asian Games, Shapiev defeated Dauletbekov but then lost to him a few months later at the Asian Championships. Shapiev will be the #4 seed in Paris and will be right in the mix with the rest of the contenders.

Javrail Shapiev's win over Hayato Ishiguro at the 2023 World Championships:

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Japan’s Hayato Ishiguro is a dangerous competitor in the 86 kg field and has a hitlist that might shock American fans. In his freestyle career, Ishiguro has defeated Aaron Brooks (11-10 at the 2017 U20 World Championships), Max Dean (12-2 at the 2019 U23 World Championships), Myles Amine (pinned at the 2023 Zagreb Open), and Zahid Valencia (13-2 at the 2023 Zagreb Open). Beyond those wins over American-born wrestlers, Ishiguro is coming off a bronze medal performance at the recent Budapest Ranking Series tournament where he lost only to Hassan Yazdani and defeated two-time world medalist Azamat Dauletbekov.

Ishiguro's win over Dauletbekov in the bronze medal match of the 2024 Budapest Ranking Series Tournament:

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Magomed Ramazanov is a Russian now representing Bulgaria who is finally getting his shot at the Olympics after being stuck behind Naifonov and Kurugliev for years. Ramazanov placed twice at Russian Nationals and almost defeated Artur Naifonov back at the 2021 Russian Nationals. On top of that, Ramazanov has notable career victories over Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (who beat Dake), Chance Marsteller, Alireza Karimi, Zahid Valencia, Vladislav Valiev, Osman Nurmagomedov, Radik Valiev, Vladimir Gamkrelidze, Azamat Dauletbekov, and several other top wrestlers in the world. Despite those wins, Ramazanov had to go to the last chance World Olympic Qualifier after losing to Osman Nurmagomedov at the European Qualifier. Ramazanov will be the #5 seed at the Olympics and is a great dark horse pick to reach the finals.

Ramazanov's win over Dauletbekov at the 2024 Zagreb Open:

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Osman Nurmagomedov is another medal contender worth mentioning. Nurmagomedov won a silver medal at 92 kg at the 2023 World Championships and doesn’t have a ton of results against rest of the field. However, Nurmagomedov does have notable wins over Vasyl Mykhailov, Magomed Ramazanov, and Zahid Valencia. Nurmagomedov will be unseeded at the Olympics so he’ll need a good draw in the bracket in order to reach the podium.

Nurmagomedov's win over Zahid Valencia at the 2023 World Championships:

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Who Will Win Gold At 86 kg?

Though Hassan Yazdani is the favorite, Aaron Brooks is my pick to win the gold medal in Paris. I think Brooks is a better defensive wrestler than Yazdani has ever faced and is a more complete wrestler than Yazdani - he has more ways to score offensively and is more adept in scramble positions. Brooks will be tested and I’m a little concerned with his lack of experience on the international scene but his performance against David Taylor at the Olympic Trials is enough to give me the confidence to pick him for gold.

Full 86 kg Medal Predictions:

Gold - Aaron Brooks, USA

Silver - Hassan Yazdani, IRI

Bronze - Dauren Kurugliev, GRE

Bronze - Myles Amine, SMR

The 97 kg Olympians

2023 Worlds

Gold - Akhmed Tazhudinov, BRN

Silver - Magomedkhan Magomedov, AZE

Bronze - Kyle Snyder, USA

Bronze - Givi Matcharashvili, GEO

5th Place - Ibrahim Ciftci, TUR

At Continentals Qualifiers

Pan-Ams - Arturo Silot, CUB

Pan-Ams - Luis Perez, DOM

African & Oceania - Mostafa Elders, EGY

African & Oceania - Nicolaas De Lange, RSA

Euros - Alikhan Zhabrailov, RUS - Zhabrailov and Abdulrashid Sadulaev ruled ineligible

Euros - Aliaksandr Hushtyn, BLR

Asians - Alisher Yergali, KAZ

Asians - Amirali Azarpira, IRI

At Last Chance World Qualifier

Erik Thiele, GER

Zbigniew Baranowski, POL

Awusayiman Habila, CHN

Replacements

Radu Lefter, MDA - replacing Aliaksandr Hushtyn

Illia Archaia/Murazi Mchedlidze, UKR - replacing Abdulrashid Sadulaev

97 kg Olympians' Accolades 

• Akhmed Tazhudinov, BRN - 2023 World Champion
• Kyle Snyder, USA - 2016 Olympic Champion, 3-time World Champion (2015, 2017, 2022), 2020 Olympic Silver, 2018 & 2021 World Silver, 2019 & 2023 World Bronze
• Magomedkhan Magomedov, AZE - 2023 World Silver, 2022 World Bronze
• Givi Matcharashvili, GEO - 2022 & 2023 World Bronze
• Alisher Yergali, KAZ - 2022 U23 World Bronze, 2018 U20 World Silver
• Amirali Azarpira, IRI - 2021 & 2022 U23 World Champion
• Radu Lefter, MDA - 2021 U23 World Silver
• Ibrahim Ciftci, TUR - 2017 U20 World Bronze
• Erik Thiele, GER - 2016 U20 World Silver

Projected 97 kg Olympic Seeds

1. Magomedkhan Magomedov, AZE
2. Akhmed Tazhudinov, BRN
3. Kyle Snyder, USA
4. Ibrahim Ciftci, TUR
5. Givi Matcharashvili, GEO
6. Erik Thiele, GER
7. Alisher Yergali, KAZ
8. Zbigniew Baranowski, POL

Abdulrashid Sadulaev Will Not Wrestle At The Paris Olympics

Before we get into the heart of our preview of 97 kg, it’s worth starting things off by highlighting that two-time Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev will not be wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, the International Olympic Committee banned Russia from competing in the Olympics. However, they allowed athletes from Russia to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) as long as they were ruled eligible to compete by the Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel (AINERP). However, on June 15 the IOC released a list of athletes approved and Sadulaev was left off the list. Then, on June 27, United World Wrestling Announced the reallocation of 16 different Olympic spots with 97 kg earned for Russia reallocated to Ukraine. 

The Favorite

• Akhmed Tazhudinov, BRN

With Abdulrashid Sadulaev out of the picture, 2023 World Champion Akhmed Tazhudinov is the clear favorite to win gold at 97 kg in Paris. Tazhudinov shocked everyone last year when he teched Kyle Snyder (11-0) and then defeated Abdulrashid Sadulaev (9-2), before pinning Magomedkhan Magomedov in the finals. Tazhudinov is a Russian transfer who is only 21 years old and hasn’t lost a match since February of 2023. 

After his performance at 2023 Worlds, Tazhudinov won the Asian Games, Yasar Dogu, and Asian Championships. In those tournaments, Tazhudinov recorded notable wins over Mojtaba Goleij (6-1), Mohammad Mohammadian (8-2), Rizabek Aitmukhan (4-2 and by fall), and Kollin Moore (11-0). The more he wrestles, the more Tazhudinov looks to be widening the gap against his opponents. He is dangerous in almost every area of wrestling and elite when his opponents are in on his legs. It’s worth noting that he did appear to be dealing with an elbow injury at the 2024 Asian Championships but if he’s healthy at the Olympics, Tazhudinov is the favorite to win gold.

Akhmed Tazhudinov's win over Kyle Snyder at the 2023 World Championships:

The Contenders

• Kyle Snyder, USA
• Amirali Azarpira, IRI
• Magomedkhan Magomedov, AZE
• Givi Matcharashvili, GEO

After Tazhudinov, the above four wrestlers are the clear next tier at 97 kg. Kyle Snyder leads this group and is by far the most credentialed of anyone in the bracket. Along with his credentials, Snyder has head-to-head wins against a remarkable 10 of the 15 Olympians - Azarpira, Magomedov, Matcharashvili, Silot, Perez, Ibragimov, Lefter, Baranowski, Mchedlidze, and Thiele. Snyder has been one of the most consistent American wrestlers of all time medaling at every Worlds/Olympics he’s wrestled in - every year for the past 9 years!

So why isn’t Snyder considered a favorite with Tazhudinov? Along with getting teched by Tazhudinov at worlds last year, Snyder lost to Iran’s Amirali Azarpira in January at the Zagreb Open (6-3). Snyder will be a favorite to medal in Paris but will likely need to avenge his loss to Tazhudinov to reach the finals. Azarpira will also be randomly drawn into the bracket meaning Snyder could wrestle Azarpira in the very first round in Paris. With the potential of being on the same side as Tazhudinov and Azarpira, this might be the biggest challenge Snyder faces in his career to bring home a medal from the Olympics. 

Kyle Snyders shares about his desire for a rematch with Tazhudinov:

As mentioned above, Amirali Azarpira announced himself to the rest of the world when he defeated Kyle Snyder in January at the Zagreb Open. Along with that win, Azarpira also has victories over Ibrahim Ciftci (10-0), Awusayiman Habila (10-0), and Radu Lefter (7-3). At only 22 years old, Azarpira has already won the U23 World Championships twice (2021 and 2022) but has never medaled at senior worlds. In fact, last year Azarpira represented Iran at 92 kg at the World Championships but failed to place after going 1-1 and losing to Zahid Valencia 12-9. Azarpira’s poor performance at worlds may have been due to the weight cut or lack of experience but if Azarpira wrestles his best, he’s a threat to win gold.

Amirali Azarpira's win over Kyle Snyder at the 2024 Zagreb Open:

Magomedkhan Magomedov and Givi Matcharashvili are two wrestlers who have proven capable of bringing home hardware from the biggest stages - Magomedov is the returning world silver medalist while Matcharashvili has won bronze at the last two worlds. It’s also worth mentioning that Magomedov and Matcharashvili will be on the opposite side of the bracket as Snyder and Tazhudinov - Magomedov is the #1 seed and Matcharashvili is the #5 seed. If Azarpira is on the other side of the bracket, Magomedov and Matcharashvili are the two favorites to reach the finals. The two split matches their last two meetings with Matcharashvili winning at the 2024 European Championships and Magomedov winning at 2023 Worlds.

Matcharashvili's win over Magomedov at the 2023 European Championships: 

Magomedov's win over Matcharashvili at the 2023 World Championships:

Sleepers & Dark Horses

• Alisher Yergali, KAZ
• Zbigniew Baranowski, POL
• Awusayiman Habila, CHN

The above three wrestlers aren’t as well-known as many of the other wrestlers in the bracket but could surprise some people and make a deep run in Paris. Kazakhstan’s Alisher Yergali has never medaled at a senior world championships but won bronze at U23 worlds in 2022 up at 125 kg. Yergali will be one of the taller 97 kg wrestlers in Paris and will bring with him experience from competing at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Yergali has recent wins over fellow Olympians Ibrahim Ciftci and Awusayiman Habila - with the right draw, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Yergali in a medal match.

Alisher Yergali's win over world medalist Feyzullah Akturk:

Zbigniew Baranowski was one of the more surprising Olympians and made the Games at the final Olympic Qualifier win notable wins over Awusayiman Habila (2-2) and Ben Honis (4-2). At 33 years old, Baranowski will be one of the older wrestlers in the bracket and wrestled in the Olympics back in 2016 when he failed to place after going 1-1. Baranowski will be a tough out for anyone in the bracket and holds career wins over several past world medalists. 

Baranowski's win over world medalist Elizbar Odikadze:

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China’s Awusayiman Habila qualified for the Olympics by placing third at the final qualifier where he went 5-1 with impressive wins over Vladislav Baitsaev (6-1), Ben Honis (11-0), and Magomed Ibragimov. Along with that performance, Habila has wrestled Tazhudinov to some of his closest matches losing 7-3 at the 2023 Asian Games and 8-5 at the 2023 Ibrahim Moustafa tournament. I’m not expecting Habila to medal but I wouldn’t be surprised if he upset one or two of the veterans at the Olympics.

Habila's competitive loss against Tazhudinov: 

97 kg Olympic Prediction - Will Kyle Snyder Win His Second Gold Medal In Paris?

Kyle Snyder will be looking to make history in Paris but he'll have his hands full against Tazhudinov and potentially Azarpira. I believe Snyder will be able to make adjustments against Tazhudinov and expect their potential semifinal bout to be much closer than what we saw last year at worlds. Despite that, I'm still picking Tazhudinov to come away with gold in Paris. Tazhudinov is as dynamic as they come at 97 kg with incredible power and amazing scrambling ability that will give him an edge over every wrestler in the bracket. If Tazhudinov wins in Paris, he has the ability to cement himself as one of the best pound-for-pound wrestlers in the world, and at only 21 years old, he should be incredible to watch for years to come. 

97 kg Olympic Medal Predictions

Gold - Akhmed Tazhudinov, BRN

Silver - Amir Ali Azarpira, IRI

Bronze - Kyle Snyder, USA

Bronze - Magomedkhan Magomedov, AZE

125 kg Olympians

Qualified At 2023 Worlds

Gold - Amir Zare, IRI

Silver - Geno Petriashvili, GEO

Bronze - Taha Akgul, TUR

Bronze - Mason Parris, USA

5th Place - Abdulla Kurbanov, RUS - *Not competing

Qualified At Continentals

Pan-Ams - Amar Dhesi, CAN

Pan-Ams - Jonovan Smith, PUR

African & Oceania - Diaaeldin Abdelmottaleb, EGY

African & Oceania - Ashton Mutuwa, NGR

Euros - Dzianis Khramiankou, BLR - ruled ineligible

Euros - Giorgi Meshvilidishvili, AZE

Asians - Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur, MGL

Asians - Yusup Batirmurzaev, KAZ

Qualified At Last Chance

Aiaal Lazarev, KGZ

Zhiwei Deng, CHN

Daniel Ligeti, HUN

Replacement

Robert Baran, POL - replacing Dzianis Khramiankou

125 kg Olympians Accolades

• Amir Zare, IRI - 2021 & 2023 World Champion | 2020 Olympic Bronze | 2022 World Bronze
• Geno Petriashvili, GEO - 2017, 2018, & 2019 World Champion| 2020 Olympic Silver | 2021 & 2023 World Silver | 2016 Olympic Bronze | 2013, 2015, & 2022 World Bronze
• Taha Akgul, TUR - 2016 Olympic Gold | 2014, 2015, & 2022 World Champion | 2013 & 2019 World Silver | 2020 Olympic Bronze | 2013, 2021, & 2023 World Bronze
• Mason Parris, USA - 2023 World Bronze | 2019 U20 World Champion
• Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur, MGL - 2022 World Silver | 2021 World Bronze | 2019 U23 World Bronze
• Zhiwei Deng, CHN - 2018 World Silver | 2019 World Bronze | 2007 U20 World Bronze
• Amar Dhesi, CAN - 2014 U20 World Champion
• Yusup Batirmurzaev, KAZ - 2019 U23 World Bronze

Projected 125 kg Olympic Seeds

1. Amir Zare, IRI
2. Geno Petriashvili, GEO
3. Mason Parris, USA
4. Taha Akgul, TUR
5. Daniel Ligeti, HUN
6. Giorgi Meshvildishvili, AZE
7. Robert Baran, POL
8. Zhiwei Deng, CHN

The Favorite

• Amir Zare, IRI

In a weight class with three past world champions, Iran’s Amir Zare is the man to beat in Paris. Zare is only 23 years old and has already won Worlds twice. Zare put together a dominant 2023 World Championships where he teched Geno Petriashvili in the finals and beat Taha Akgul in the semis, 4-0 solidifying himself as the best heavyweight in the world. It’s worth noting that Zare lost to Petriashvili 6-3 at the Tokyo Olympics, lost to Akgul 4-2 at 2022 Worlds, and was pinned by Mason Parris at 2019 U20 Worlds. However, Zare has clearly separated himself from the field over the past two years and will be the man to beat in Paris. Zare's strength in the hand fight and ability to manhandle his opponents around the mat is a unique ability that no other heavyweight in the world possesses making him almost unbeatable. 

Amir Zare's win over Geno Petriashvili in the 2023 World Finals:

The Contenders

• Mason Parris, USA
• Taha Akgul, TUR
• Geno Petriashvili, GEO

As mentioned above, all three of these wrestlers have career wins over Zare and are the most likely wrestlers to win gold after the Iranian heavyweight. Mason Parris won bronze at last year’s World Championships where he defeated fellow Olympians Abdulla Kurbanov (12-2), Zhiwei Deng (8-4), and Yusup Batirmurzaev (11-0) but lost to Geno Petriashvili (8-6). Parris is set to be the #3 seed in Paris and if seeds hold he’ll have a rematch with Petriashvili in the semi-finals at the Olympics. Their match at Worlds was a back-and-forth one and Parris is capable of making adjustments and making the Olympic final. 

The big question is how does Parris match up against Zare? Parris pinned Zare in the U20 World finals five years ago - that means very little to their potential bout at the Olympics. Parris is as athletic as they come at 125 kg but can he handle Zare’s unique size and pressure that seemingly melts every heavyweight in the world? If Parris does make it to the finals opposite Zare their potential match will be one of the most highly anticipated matches of the Olympics. 

Mason Parris' win over Amir Zare in the 2019 U20 World Finals:

Mason Parris' win over Abdulla Kurbanov in the 2023 World bronze medal match:

Taha Akgul is already one of the greatest heavyweights of all time and is the last wrestler to defeat Amir Zare. Akgul won the Olympics back in 2016 and placed bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. On top of that, Akgul is a three-time world champion and has medaled at every world championship, except one (2018), since 2013. Whether or not Akgul will win his second Olympic gold might come down to if he can get by Amir Zare in the semis. Akgul will be the #4 seed in Paris and has split with Zare the last two times they’ve wrestled - Akgul won at 2022 Worlds, Zare won at 2023 Worlds. Akgul might be past his prime at 33 years old, but he’s still capable of winning Gold at the Games this year. 

Taha Akgul's win over Amir Zare at the 2022 World Championships:

The final contender in the 125 kg field is Georgia’s Geno Petriashvili - a three-time world champion who has won silver (2020) and bronze (2016) at the Olympics. Petriashvili holds wins over Akgul, Parris, and Zare and at 30 years old, this is likely his last chance to win the elusive Olympic gold medal. Despite his wins and accolades, it’s worth noting that Petriashvili didn’t look his best at his last outing at the Budapest Ranking Series tournament in June. There, Petriashvili took bronze after getting pinned by Yusup Batirmurzaev. Along with the loss, it appeared Petriashvili was battling an elbow injury that was hindering him from wrestling his best. Health will be the key for Petriashvili in Paris and if he’s operating at 100%, he’ll be right in the mix with the rest of the top wrestlers in the bracket. 

Geno Petriashvili's win over Mason Parris in the 2023 World semifinals:

Who Can Beat The Contenders?

• Lkhagvageral Munkhtur, MGL
• Yusup Batirmurzaev, KAZ
• Zhiwei Deng, CHN

The above three wrestlers are huge underdogs to win gold but have all proven to be dangerous threats to the contenders. First up is Mongolia’s Lkhagvageral Munkhtur, a two-time world medalist winning bronze in 2021 and silver in 2021. Munkhtur also placed 5th at the Tokyo Olympics and has notable career wins over Geno Petriashvili, Zhiwei Deng, Yusup Batirmurzaev, Amirreza Masoumi, Hayden Zillmer, and Greg Kerkvliet. Even with all of those wins, Munkhtur has frequently lost to Zare, Petriashvili, and Akgul and even went 0-1 at last year's worlds losing to Zhiwei Deng. Munkhtur will be unseeded heading into the Olympics and will need a favorable draw to medal, but he’s stingy defensively and might be the best pick to win a medal after the big four at this weight. 

Munkhtur's win over Geno Petriashvili at the 2022 World Championships:

Yusup Batirmurzaev is another wrestler to watch out for at the Olympics and is coming off a win in June of Geno Petriashvili. At the 2024 Budapest Ranking Series in June, Batirmurzaev surprisingly pinned Petriashvili 30 seconds into first period with a big throw. While the win over Petriashvili is noteworthy, Mason Parris went on to pin Batirmurzaev in the finals and Parris also holds an 11-0 win over Batirmurzaev from the 2023 World Championships. Despite those results against Parris, Batirmurzaev is one of the bigger heavyweights in the field and obviously has some dangerous upper-body skills. That makes him a threat to anyone in the bracket and he has the potential to be in contention for a medal in Paris. 

Yusup Batirmurzaev's win over Geno Petriashvili at the 2024 Budapest Ranking Series Tournament:

China’s Zhiwei Deng is the final wrestler who should be considered a legitimate medal threat at the Olympic Games. Deng is a two-time world medalist (silver in 2018 & bronze in 2019) and this will be his third time wrestling at the Olympic Games. Deng also has an impressive hitlist with notable wins over world medalists Nick Gwiazdowski and Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur. On top of that, Deng was just seconds away from defeating Mason Parris at the World Championships last year. Deng is a seasoned vet and has strong defense that keeps him in almost every match. He likely doesn’t have the skills to win Olympic gold, or even make the finals, but he’s savvy enough to make a run to a medal match and knock off one of the contenders at 125 kg. 

Deng's win over Nick Gwiazdowski at the 2024 Zagreb Open:

Sleepers & Landmines

• Amar Dhesi, CAN
• Giorgi Meshvilidishvili. AZE
• Aiaal Lazarev, KGZ

The above group of four wrestlers are lesser known to the casual freestyle fan and have never medaled at senior world championships. However, this group has flashes of results that suggest they could surprise some people in Paris. First up is Canada's, Amar Dhesi who should be a familiar name to American folkstyle fans - Dhesi was a 4-yer starter for Oregon State and earned All-American honors three times (5th in 2019 & 2016, 3rd in 2018). Dhesi was also a U20 world champion in 2014 but has never experienced the same level of success on the senior level. Dhesi does have solid senior-level wins over Nick Gwiazdowski, Daniel Ligeti, Tony Nelson, and Reineris Salas suggesting that if he’s wrestling his best, he could be a factor in this bracket. 

Dhesi's win over Nick Gwiazdowski at the 2022 Pan-Am Championships:

Giorgi Meshvildishvili will likely be the #6 seed in the Olympic bracket and has a few notable results that suggest he could give Mason Parris, and some of the other contenders, trouble at the Olympics. Meshvilidishvili is a Georgian representing Azerbaijan who recently won bronze at the 2024 European Championships. Beyond that, Meshvildishvili defeated Hayden Zillmer (5-4) at the 2023 Zagreb Open and lost a competitive, 5-2 match to Mason Parris at the 2024 Zagreb Open. Meshvildishvili also has two close losses to Taha Akgu (3-1 and 2-0) on his ledger. Meshvildishvili shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone in this bracket and he’s capable of pulling off an upset or two to bring home a medal from Paris. 

Meshvildishvili's win over Hayden Zillmer at the 2023 Zagreb Open:

The final “dark horse” to watch out for is Kyrgyzstan’s Aiaal Lazarev. At 38 years old, Lazarev is the oldest heavyweight in the field and has the experience of competing at 7 senior world championships and 2 Olympic Games. Even with all of that experience, Lazarev has never won a senior world medal but he does hold wins over fellow Olympians Daniel Ligeti, Amar Dhesi, and, Robert Baran. Lazarev is a mountain of a heavyweight and with the right draw, he could work is way into wrestling in a medal match. 

Lazarev's win over Johannes Ludescher at the 2023 World Championships:

Will Zare, Parris, Akgul, Or Petriashvili Win Gold?

I’d be absolutely shocked if anyone other than the big 4 at this weight came away with gold from Paris. Zare, Akgul, and Petriashvili have all won medals at the last 4 Worlds/Olympics and Mason Parris’ performance last year proves he’s entered this tier. So, who’s coming away with gold? I’m going with Amir Zare who now has two wins both Taha Akgul and three over Geno Petriashvili and looks to be separating himself from the rest of the world at 125 kg. I’m interested to see if Mason Parris’ athleticism and leg attacks can present a unique challenge to Zare, but in the end, I believe Zare will prove on the biggest stage that he’s the heavyweight king.

Full 125 kg Olympic Medal Predictions

Gold - Amir Zare, IRI

Silver - Mason Parris, USA

Bronze - Taha Akgul, TUR

Bronze - Geno Petriashvili, TUR