Granma y Cerro Pelado

Akgul Flawless In Granma y Cerro Pelado Freestyle Finals

By

HAVANA, Cuba – Rio Olympic champion Taha AKGUL (TUR) accented a flawless Granma y Cerro Pelado tournament with a workmanlike 11-0 victory over United States foe Ben DURBIN (USA) to claim 125 KG gold.

Akgul, a two-time champion at the World Championships, scored three takedowns and two turns for the decisive win in the final freestyle match contested  in Cuba. He finished with three wins over the two-day competition, outscoring his opponents by a combined 32-0 tally.

Turkey earned a second gold medal from Husseyin GUNDUZ (TUR) at 92 KG. Gunduz ousted 2017 Ion Corneau champion Gabriel STARK (GER) in a dramatic final, 2-1.

Host-nation Cuba accumulated four champions on Thursday, led by technical fall wins in the finals from returning world bronze medalists Yowlys BONNE RODRIGUEZ (CUB) at 61 KG and Alejandro VALDES TOBIER (CUB) at 65 KG.

Bonne Rodriguez trailed high-paced American Cody BREWER (USA) 6-0 early in the first period after giving up two initial takedowns, one feet-to-back. The Cuban star methodically went to work for 16-staight points and the gold medal.

It was a quick heat for Valdes Tobier, who synched up multiple inside trips in the early going against Robbie MATHERS (USA). After the initial flurry of action, Valdes Tobier was declared the winner, 10-0.

Other champions for Cuba were past Pan American champion Franklin MAREN (CUB) and Yurieski TORREBLANCA (CUB). Both men won tight finals contests, Maren a 1-1, criteria win over 2015 Pan American champion Jason CHAMBERLAIN (USA) and Torreblanca a 6-2 decision on 2012 junior world champion Achmed DUDAROV (GER).

A last-second challenge overturning a call on the edge of the mat gave Kubilay CAKICI (GER) a superb win over London Olympic bronze medalist Livan LOPEZ AZCUY (CUB) for the 74 KG gold. Lopez Azcuy appeared to have the match won, but a last-ditch effort saw Cakici capitalize on a takedown with under five seconds remaining.

The United States secured gold medals from Zach SANDERS (USA) at 57 KG and Hayden ZILLMER (USA) at 97 KG. Sanders turned a 1-0 second-period deficit into a 6-1 victory over Alexei ALVARES (CUB) courtesy of persistent offense. Zillmer notched a low-level takedown and two leg laces to seal the gold, 6-0, over fellow American Ty WALZ (USA).

Complete results and archived matches from the 2018 Granma y Cerro Pelado tournament can be found at unitedworldwrestling.org.

RESULTS: http://uww.io/4gTea

57 KG

Gold –  Zach SANDERS (USA)

Silver – Alexei ALVARES (CUB)

Bronze – Aso PALANI (CAN)

Bronze – Pedro MEJIAS (VEN)

61 KG

Gold – Yowlys BONNE RODRIGUEZ (CUB)

Silver – Cody BREWER (USA)

Bronze – Dabian QUINTANA (CUB)

Bronze – Johnni DIJULIUS (USA)  

65 KG

Gold – Alejandro VALDES TOBIER (CUB)  

Silver – Robbie MATHERS (USA)

Bronze – Brandon DIAZ (MEX)

Bronze – Anthony ABIDIN (USA)

70 KG

Gold – Franklin MAREN (CUB)

Silver – Jason CHAMBERLAIN (USA)

Bronze – Hunter STIEBER (USA)

Bronze – Kevin HENKEL (GER)

74 KG

Gold – Kubilay CAKICI (GER)

Silver – Livan LOPEZ AZCUY (CUB)

Bronze – Jean PERALTA (CHI)

Bronze – Nestor TAFUR (COL)

86 KG

Gold – Yurieski TORREBLANCA (CUB)

Silver – Achmed DUDAROV (GER)

Bronze – Martin OBST (GER)

92 KG

Gold – Husseyin GUNDUZ (TUR)

Silver – Gabriel STARK (GER)

Bronze – Don MCNEIL (USA)

97 KG

Gold – Hayden ZILLMER (USA)

Silver – Ty WALZ (USA)

Bronze – Nathan BURAK (USA)

125 KG

Gold – Taha AKGUL (TUR)

Silver – Ben DURBIN (USA)

Bronze – Yudenny ALPAJON (CUB)

Bronze – Sean MOLLE (CAN)

#development

Italy Organizes UWW Level 3 Technical Course for Coaches

By United World Wrestling Press

CESEBATICO, Italy (February 9) -- A United World Wrestling Level 3 Technical Course for coaches was successfully organized in Cesenatico, Italy from January 5 to 9, 2026. The course was organized in collaboration with UWW and the FIJLKAM.

Organised after a international tournament, the course brought together 33 coaches from Italy and other countries, including Germany, Poland, Croatia and Ivory Coast creating a rich environment for technical exchange, professional development and international cooperation.

This tournament provided an important practical framework for the educational programme, allowing coaches to observe real competition situations, analyze match management and technical-tactical aspects, and directly link theoretical learning to high-level competitive practice.

The programme was led by UWW Development Officer Vincent AKA, with practical sessions conducted by Olympic Champion and UWW expert Komeil GHASEMI. The course followed the new UWW education pathway, focusing on advanced coaching competencies for high-performance environments.

Italy

The key topics in the course included coaching philosophy and leadership, advanced planning and periodization, pedagogical situations and match analysis, technical and tactical development, safeguarding, anti-doping and athlete protection and introduction to Beach Wrestling.

Both theoretical and practical evaluations were conducted, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real coaching situations. At the conclusion of the course, all successful participants were awarded the UWW Level 3 Coaching Certificate.

"I want to thank everyone for this course, for what you did, and for how we got along together," Carmelo RICCARDO, a coach and participant said. "It was a wonderful experience and very interesting course. Thanks to the UWW and FIJLKAM for these important opportunities for growth."

The Italian Wrestling Federation provided high-quality facilities, with classrooms and training venues meeting international standards. All activities were centralized at Villaggio Accademia Cesenatico, ensuring optimal logistical conditions for both learning and training.

The course benefited from the continuous presence of national federation representatives, including the Technical and Sports Directors, as well as the participation of FIJLKAM leadership during the closing ceremony—demonstrating strong institutional commitment to coach education.

After the course, it achieved its educational and development objectives. The combination of high-level technical content, structured evaluations, international expertise, and strong human values.

The course not only strengthened the competencies of participating coaches but also reinforced Italy’s role as a key hub for wrestling education and excellence in Europe, contributing sustainably to the long-term development of the sport.

Sustainability

From a sustainability perspective, the use of the covered stadium contributed to the efficient organization of Beach Wrestling activities by optimizing existing infrastructure. By adapting a multi-purpose covered venue for Beach Wrestling sessions, the organizers limited the need for additional temporary installations, reduced logistical and environmental impact, and ensured continuity of activities regardless of weather conditions.

This approach reflects UWW’s commitment to sustainable event organization through the рационal use of facilities and long-term infrastructure legacy.