2019 International Rankings - Men's Freestyle

P4P Abdulrashid Sadulaev (RUS)

Please note these rankings are from June 2019

By Seth Petarra (@SethPetar)

With the removal of #4 David Taylor (USA) and #24 Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) due to injuries, Vladislav Baitsaev (RUS) and Evgeni Zherbaev (RUS) are able to join the rankings at #21 and #25 respectively. Baitsaev is currently #3 at 97 KG and with past wins over World/Olympic champs Khetag Gozyumov, Sharif Sharifov, Khadzhimurad Gatsalov, and Georgi Gogschelidze, he’s more then earned his spot in the pound for pound rankings. #25 Evgeni Zherbaev (RUS) is currently the #1 ranked wrestler at 70 KG and has wins over world champs Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov, Khetik Tsabolov, and Soslan Ramonov. 

2018 65 KG world champ #10 Takuto Otoguro (JPN) drops to #13 in the rankings after being teched in the KG Meiji Cup finals to 2018 U-23 world champ Rei Higuchi (JPN). Otoguro is likely to have a final wrestle-off with Higuchi on July 6th to determine the world rep for Japan and get the chance to defend and improve upon his stunning world title run in Budapest.