Two-time world champion and 2016 Rio gold medalist Abdulrashid Sadulaev is returning to 97kg for Russian Nationals this summer and, assuming he makes the team, will represent Russia at the 2018 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in October.

Sadulaev has exclusively wrestled at 92kg in 2018, winning the last three tournaments he entered: the Ivan Yarygin, the Dan Kolov, and most recently the European Championships. In a post-tournament interview, Sadulaev confirmed that although 92kg is "the perfect weight" for him, he will be moving back up to 97kg in time for the Russian National Championships. 

Watch Sadulaev's Euros interview (in Russian) below:

Sadulaev stated that 92kg not being an Olympic weight factored into his decision. Kyle Snyder's name did not come up in the interview, but this move would be the first step in a possible rematch of the Olympic champs who last met in the finals of the 2017 World Championships in Paris at 97kg. That match saw Snyder hand Sadulaev his first senior-level loss since 2013.

Sadulaev made his senior debut in 2013 at 84kg, then moved into 86kg in 2014 and never lost a match at that weight class, going undefeated for three consecutive years. 

You can watch Sadulaev's match against Nick Heflin at the Yarygin below:

With some exceptions, the winners of Russian Nationals typically go on represent the federation at the World Championships. Last year, Sadulaev was pushed to the limit by fellow Russian Vladislav Baitsaev in the finals but ultimately won the match and the team spot. Baitsaev would later fall to Snyder in the Yarygin semifinals this year at 97kg and settle for third. 

Watch Sadulaev's RusNats match with Baitsaev below:

The 2018 Russian Nationals don't have a location or firm dates planned yet, but it will likely happen sometime in June. Snyder will have his Final X matches on June 9 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Should both favorites prevail, we could be in for another world championship showdown in Budapest.