Russia, Iran Share Two FS Titles to Deny Azerbaijan at #WrestleUfa

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 - 18:54 By Vinay Siwach

UFA, Russia (August 17) – Ramazan BAGAVUDINOV (RUS) had been touted as the next big thing out of Dagestan and Russia but his previous international outings had resulted in only a bronze medal at the 2019 European Championships.

But that changed Tuesday as the young Russian clinched the junior world title in a stunning comeback win over Muhammed KARAVUS (TUR) in the 57kg final. Winning the title in front of his home crowd in Ufa, Russia made it extra special.

“I am really happy that I could finally get the gold,” Bagavudinov said.

Five freestyle world titles were awarded on the second day of the Junior World Championships which began in Ufa Monday with Russia and Iran winning two each while the USA also claimed one title.

Azerbaijan, which had three finalists Tuesday, failed to win the gold medal and returned with three silver medals which left the coaches disappointed.

Turkey also failed to win a gold medal despite having two finalists. Karavus was a point away from winning the gold but Bagavudinov scripted a win for the ages.

It began with a exposure for Karavus and then two points for a takedown. He then exposed the Russian with two guts and added a stepout to lead 9-0. But then came the offensive onslaught.

Bagavudinov began with a big four-point throw and added a stepout to make it 9-5. A single takedown reduced the lead to 9-7 before he tripped Karavus for two more points to lead 9-9 on criteria.

“After I got the four-point throw, I was planning to keep pressing more as I knew he would get tired eventually,” he said.

With less than 30 seconds to go, he managed to defend all attacks from the Turkey wrestler who was running out of steam. But in one final effort, Karavus got a chest wrap and exposed Bagavudinov for two points but also gave up two points when he could not get out of the Russian's grip.

“Honestly, I thought they wouldn’t give the two points to the Turkish wrestler, but then I saw the scoreboard, it was 11-11, and then I realized that I won,” he said.

The 11-11 win got huge reception from the limited crowd in Ufa Arena as fans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 report using a RT-PCR method are allowed.

Shamil MAMEDOV (RUS) won the 65kg gold medal. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

The second gold medalist for Russia came at 65kg as Shamil MAMEDOV (RUS) defeated Ziraddin BAYRAMOV (AZE) 4-1 in the gold medal bout.

In contrast to the win of Bagavudinov, Mamedov had a controlled final and put on a defensive masterclass against Bayramov.

Bayramov opened the scoring when Mamedov gave up a point for being passive. But then the Russian upped his game and scored a takedown to lead 2-1. Bayramov managed to open scoring options but Mamedov's defense was on point throughout the match.

“I knew if I gave him a single leg, I would have still been able to defend, but a double leg would have been much tougher,” Mamedov said. “The final match was tough, as it always is. I was controlling the match and I managed to defend my lead, so I won.”

His ankle pick while defending a single leg gave Mamedov the two points and he defended another attack with a reverse lock to win 4-1.

Mamedov said winning the gold medal with his room partner Bagavudinov was a great experience and he had some nervous moments when his friend was trailing 0-9 in the 57kg final. But the comeback motivated Mamedov for his final as well.

“We are friends, We even stay in the same room. I am so happy we both won the gold medals,” he said. “I was watching him from the stands and I was worried a lot when the score was 9-0. When he won, it gave me more motivation to win.”

In the two Iran-Azerbaijan finals, both Iran wrestlers came out on top, ending Azerbaijan's day in disappointment.

Erfan ELAHI (IRI) stunned Dzharbrail GADZHIEV (AZE) in the 70kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Elahi was the first one to stun Dzharbrail GADZHIEV (AZE) in the 70kg final as he kept on the pressure and ultimately won 7-5.

Gadzhiev, a U23 European champion, began the scoring with a stepout but Elahi also scored a stepout. Gadzhiev scored a quick takedown to make it 3-1. Bur Elahi then managed three stepout against a tiring Gadzhiev to make it 4-3. Two stepouts from each wrestler changed the score to 6-5 but that was not enough for Gadzhiev. Iran got an extra point for a lost challenge from Azerbaijan.

Elahi said that his bouts were difficult but it was his training in Iran that helped him win in Ufa.

“I was on the mat for five matches and bouts were tough and high-pressure,” Elahi said. “I trained very hard before competition, even more than what I did on mat during competition.”

Elahi began as a gymnast before switching to wrestling and said that he will now look forward to winning the trial for Oslo World Championships and work towards the Paris Olympics by moving up to 74kg.

“This competition is one step for me for Norway so that I can enter the selection trials for the World Championship,” he said. “I will not remain in70kg because I am thinking about the Olympic Games and I will be 74kg for the Paris Games.”

Mohammad Ashghar NOKHODILARIMI (IRI Mohammad NOKHODILARIMI (IRI) won the 79kg gold after defeating Ashraf ASHIROV (AZE). (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

At 79kg, Mohammad NOKHODILARIMI (IRI) defeated Ashraf ASHIROV (AZE) with an identical score of 7-5, giving Iran the second gold of the day.

Like Gadzhiev, it was Ashirov who began the scoring and got a takedown. But Nokhodilarimi reversed and got two points as well. He then went for a duck under but pulled out and scored a takedown to make 4-2. A gut wrench increased the score to 6-2.

Ashirov began the second period with a fake to the right leg then scored a takedown from the left to reduce the lead. But he gave up one stepout before scoring one at the end which was not enough for a win.

Nokhodilarimi said that he was the underdog against Ashirov which made the win a special one for him. “I was underrated to my opponent,” he said before adding, “and he was dangerous for me but God helped me to win.”

Amos Braxton AMOS (USA) claimed the gold medal at 97kg for USA. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

The final gold of the went to Braxton AMOS (USA). He defeated Polat POLATCI (TUR) 11-4 in the 97kg final with ease. The two big wrestlers exchanged throws to keep the crowd on its feet but Amos' breathtaking five-point throw was the move of the day.

Amos began with five stepout in the first period but just before the break, he locked with Polatci who managed to throw him and score four.

In the second period, Polatci tried to trip Amos but the USA wrestler went for an outside trip of his own and made a perfect back-arch to get the five-point throw. A step out at the end gave him one more point and he won 11-4.

Amos said it was a risky move to throw for five but it was worth taking. The West Virginia native is not focused on winning a NCAA title back in America.

“It's hard to explain to be world champ,” Amos said. “It means everything to me and I am thankful to everybody. I can't express anything.

“When I threw him for five, it was either I was going on my back or he was. I had to go for it and whatever happened, happened. When I get home, it's back to work. I have an NCAA title to win.”

Iran Continues Stunning Run

Iran's performance on Tuesday more or less confirmed the team title for them. They also made it to four out of the five remaining finals which will be played on Wednesday. The performance will give them their first-ever team title win since 2015.

Two-time cadet world champion Rahman AMOUZADKHALILI (IRI) led the way with a victory via fall over Fedor BALTUEV (RUS) in the 61kg final. He will face two-time cadet bronze medalist RAVINDER (IND) who won 12-2 over Levik MIKAYELYAN (ARM).

Amouzadkhalili began with an exposure for two and a stepout to lead 3-0 but Baltuev lifted him for four and then an exposure to lead 6-3. Iran challenged the call but lost. In the second period, Amouzadkhalili pressed Baltuev towards the danger and then picked him for four points. Using her trademark whipovers, he managed to get the Russian in the grip and pinned him with 47 seconds remaining.

Ravinder worked hard for his 12-2 win over Mikayelyan. Both were tied 2-2 before Ravinder's pressure tired out the Armenian. A series of takedown and then a single leg for four finished the match 12-2.

He said it doesn't matter who he is facing in the final. “The world titles of the Iranian opponent don’t matter,” he said before adding, “I’ll just consider him as another opponent.”

At 74kg, Keegan OTOOLE (USA) created some outwardly moves to pin Idar KHATANOV (RUS). The Russian used cradle to exposure to lead 10-5 but Otoole used a cradle of his own to get a pin over Khatanov. In the quarterfinal, he stunned Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE) with a similar move despite trailing.

He will wrestle Nurdaulet KUANYSHBAY (KAZ) in the final after he won 11-1 Stambul ZHANYBEK UULU (KGZ) using a leg lace.

France will have a chance to win their first freestyle junior world title in seven years as Rakhim MAGAMADOV (FRA) made it to the final at 86kg. He defeated Emre CIFTCI (TUR) 4-2.

But his task will be cut out against Amirhossein FIROUZPOURBANDPEI (IRI) who is a cadet world champion from 2019. The Iran wrestler was in his element against Daviti KOGUASHVILI (GEO) to win 14-4.

Iran will have a chance to win a gold at 92kg as Mahdi HAJILOUEIANMORAFAH (IRI) made it to the final and will face Rocky ELAM (USA). The Iran wrestler won 10-0 Nicolaas DE LANGE (RSA) while Rocky ELAM (USA) defeated Ivan KIRILLOV (RUS) 5-3 in the other semifinal.

At 125kg, Ali AKBARPOURKHORDOUNI (IRI) can add a sixth gold to cap off a remarkable campaign for them. He scored a top-notch win over Wyatt HENDRICKSON (USA) 8-5. He will face 2021 junior Euro champion Lyova GEVORGYAN (ARM).

Gevorgyan scored another win over Aydin AHMADOV (AZE) 10-0 as he did in the junior European Championships final.

Women's wrestling will begin Wednesday with 50kg, 55kg, 59kg, 68kg and 76kg.

RESULTS FS Medal Bouts

57kg
GOLD: Ramazan BAGAVUDINOV (RUS) df Muhammet KARAVUS (TUR), 11-11

BRONZE: Assylzhan YESSENGELDI (KAZ) df Nuraddin NOVRUZOV (AZE), 12-6
BRONZE: Manvel KHNDZRTSYAN (ARM) df Abdymalik KARACHOV (KGZ), 6-2

65kg
GOLD: Shamil MAMEDOV (RUS) df Ziraddin BAYRAMOV (AZE), 4-1

BRONZE: Beau BARTLETT (USA) df Mustafo AKHMEDOV (TJK), 7-4
BRONZE: Bekzat YERMEKBAY (KAZ) df Seyedhassan EBADIMERMETI (IRI), 8-5

70kg
GOLD: Erfan ELAHI (IRI) df Dzhabrail GADZHIEV (AZE), 7-5

BRONZE: Stanislav SVINOBOEV (RUS) df Kevin MAKOTA STROEM (SWE), 12-1
BRONZE: Bryce ANDONIAN (USA) df Stanislav NOVAC (MDA), 18-8

79kg
GOLD: Mohammad NOKHODILARIMI (IRI) df Ashraf ASHIROV (AZE), 7-5

BRONZE: Gourav BALIYAN (IND) df Richard SCHROEDER (GER), 10-0
BRONZE: Mukhammad ABDULLAEV (KGZ) df Makhambet NURZHAUBAYEV (KAZ), 4-1

97kg
GOLD: Braxton AMOS (USA) df Polat POLATCI (TUR), 11-4

BRONZE: Alireza ABDOLLAHI (IRI) df Radu LEFTER (MDA), 5-4
BRONZE: DEEPAK (IND) df Milan KORCSOG (HUN), 3-2

RESULTS Semifinals

61kg
GOLD: RAVINDER (IND) vs Rahman AMOUZADKHALILI (IRI)

SF 1: RAVINDER (IND) df Levik MIKAYELYAN (ARM), 12-2
SF 2: Rahman AMOUZADKHALILI (IRI) df Fedor BALTUEV (RUS), via fall

74kg
GOLD: Keegan OTOOLE (USA) vs Nurdaulet KUANYSHBAY (KAZ)

SF 1: Keegan OTOOLE (USA) df Idar KHATANOV (RUS), via fall
SF 2: Nurdaulet KUANYSHBAY (KAZ) df Stambul ZHANYBEK UULU (KGZ), 11-1

86kg
GOLD: Rakhim MAGAMADOV (FRA) vs Amirhossein FIROUZPOURBANDPEI (IRI)

SF 1: Rakhim MAGAMADOV (FRA) df Emre CIFTCI (TUR), 4-2
SF 2: Amirhossein FIROUZPOURBANDPEI (IRI) df Daviti KOGUASHVILI (GEO), 14-4

92kg
GOLD: Mahdi HAJILOUEIANMORAFAH (IRI) vs Rocky ELAM (USA)

SF 1: Mahdi HAJILOUEIANMORAFAH (IRI) df Nicolaas DE LANGE (RSA), 10-0
SF 2: Rocky ELAM (USA) df Ivan KIRILLOV (RUS), 5-3

125kg
GOLD: Ali AKBARPOURKHORDOUNI (IRI) vs Lyova GEVORGYAN (ARM)

SF 1: Ali AKBARPOURKHORDOUNI (IRI) df Wyatt HENDRICKSON (USA), 8-5
SF 2: Lyova GEVORGYAN (ARM) df Aydin AHMADOV (AZE), 10-0

#WrestleZagreb

World Championships 2025 Women's Wrestling Preview

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 12:13 By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (September 10) -- Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) is the only Paris Olympic champion entered in Women's Wrestling for the World Championships in Zagreb.

While four of the six champions in Paris had world titles to their names, only Motoki and now retired Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) did not. Motoki wants to change that.

"As the alarm on my smartphone to wake up in the morning, I use the music they play during the winning lap at the World Championships," Motoki had said after winning against Ozaki. "Each time I hear it, it gives me an unpleasant feeling and makes me remember what happened. Even after I won at the Olympics, that sinking feeling never really went away."

Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) is the only Olympic champion entered for Zagreb. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Motoki has been to the World Championships twice before but came up short both times, winning bronze in 2022 at 59kg and silver in 2023 at 62kg.

She will be leading a strong Japanese team that has five senior world champions and four with multiple age-group titles to their names. Japan won six out of 10 gold medals in Women's Wrestling in 2023 and captured three out of four at the Non-Olympic Weights World Championships in 2024.

While Motoki enters as the favorite at 62kg, expectations are high across the lineup. The roster of returning world champions includes Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) at 50kg, Haruna OKUNO (JPN) at 53kg, Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) at 65kg, Ami ISHII (JPN) at 68kg, and Masako FURIUCHI (JPN) at 72kg.

Others completing the line up are Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) at 55kg, Himeka TAKUHARA (JPN) at 57kg, Sakura ONISHI (JPN) at 59kg and Nodoka YAMAMOTO (JPN) at 76kg.

But at the World Championships, Japan will be tested. Ukraine, the United States, and China are bringing tough names to Zagreb and the return of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will also shake up the results.

Storylines that will keep the fans engaged will be: Helen MAROULIS (USA) aiming for fourth world title at 57kg, Irina RINGACI (MDA) vs Grace BULLEN (NOR) at 68kg, Kennedy BLADES (USA) in a deep 68kg weight class and Sakura ONISHI's (JPN) big test at 59kg.

Iryna BONDAR (UKR) is the European champion at 62kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Challenge for Motoki

For Motoki, the road to gold in Zagreb may go through Iryna BONDAR (UKR), one of the rising stars in international wrestling. Bondar has already made her mark at the age-group level, winning both U20 and U23 world titles, and currently holds European Championships titles at both the senior and U23 levels.

After claiming the senior European title in April, Bondar made it clear that she's aiming for the top.

"Senior level is a whole different level of wrestling -- senior wrestling is tough and intense," she said. "Are there tougher opponents? Yes, absolutely. The toughest competitors are from Japan -- they are the strongest in the world."

Still adjusting to the pace of senior-level competition, Bondar tends to start slow in matches but has an effective arsenal of attacks once she settles in. But whether she’s ready for someone as polished and tactical as Motoki remains to be seen.

Also entered at 62kg are Asian champion MANISHA (IND), silver medalist Ok Ju KIM (PRK), and former world champion Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL), but Motoki remains the clear favorite to top the podium.

Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN), a 2021 world champion, is unbeaten internationally. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 50kg, Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) will aim to win her second world title, four years after claiming her first in 2021. She has not competed at the World Championships since, with Yui SUSAKI (JPN) occupying the spot during that time. However, Susaki did not enter the qualification process this year.

Yoshimoto has proven herself at the Asian level and remains unbeaten internationally since a loss to Chun Lei (CHN) at the Tokyo Test Event in 2019. Her main challenge could come from European champion Oksana LIVACH (UKR), who won a world bronze in 2018 but hasn’t returned to the podium since. Zagreb presents an opportunity and she will be keen on finishing with a medal.

The Japanese defeated Yu ZHANG (CHN) and Myonggyong WON (PRK) en route to her 2025 Asian title, and they are not expected to trouble her in Zagreb. European silver medalist Evin DEMIRHAN (TUR) and U20 world silver medalist Audrey JIMENEZ (USA) will aim to finish on the podium as well.

Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) won the Pan-Am gold in May. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Osvaldo Aguilar)

Unpredictability of 53kg

Chasing her fourth world title at 53kg is Haruna MURAYAMA (JPN), who made the Japan team after defeating another world champion, Moe KIYOOKA (JPN). Murayama won her first world gold in 2017 and added a second in 2018. But she had to wait five years to win her third in 2023, largely due to Mayu SHIDOCHI (JPN) dominating the weight before the Tokyo Olympics and Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) holding the spot until Paris.

Now, Murayama has a shot at another title. The weight class, however, is deep with talent. Olympic silver medalist Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) returns for the first time since the Paris Games and could become Ecuador’s first world champion. Her explosive style has troubled even the best, including Fujinami.

Asian champion Hyo Gyong CHOE (PRK), who beat Kiyooka in the Asian final, will be a strong medal threat with her powerful gut-wrench. Jin ZHANG (CHN), a former world U20 champion, will look to build on her silver from last year at 55kg.

Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) skipped this season but is returning to the World Championships with an aim to win her first medal. The former European champion can trouble the best with her strong leg-attacks and will be a medal favorite in Zagreb.

Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE), perhaps motivated by her historic European win, is going for her fourth world medal. Also in the mix will be world bronze medalist ANTIM (IND) who finished with a bronze in Asia.

Battles at 68kg

Another packed weight class is 68kg, featuring Olympic silver medalists Kennedy BLADES (USA) and Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ), world champions Jia LONG (CHN), Buse TOSUN (TUR), and Ami ISHII (JPN), along with several other top contenders.

Blades, who won silver in Paris at 76kg, has looked unbeatable at 68kg this year, claiming Ranking Series golds in Zagreb and Budapest, as well as a Pan-Am title. However, the World Championships in Zagreb will be a tougher test.

Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

68kg Olympic silver medalist Zhumanazarova returns with the goal of winning her second world title. Though she has competed infrequently, she is always a serious gold-medal threat. She was training in Türkiye with fellow world champion Tosun, who won bronze in Paris. The big-throwing Tosun is chasing her second world title as well.

Jia LONG, last year’s world champion at 65kg, is moving up to 68kg as she targets an Olympic weight for 2028. Known for one of the most dangerous gut wrenches in wrestling, she will look to use it to mount a serious title run.

Ami ISHII (JPN) did not medal in 2023 but won gold at 72kg in 2024. While she has made significant improvements, her defensive game remains a concern, as she tends to give up points. Still, Ishii is a strong contender for gold.

Other notable names include world silver medalist Delgermaa ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL), Asian silver medalist Sol Gum PAK (PRK), European silver medalist Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU), and Khanum VELIEVA (UWW).

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Golden chances for Maroulis, Bakergenova

Helen MAROULIS (USA) was unsure about returning to wrestling after winning her third Olympic medal -- a bronze in Paris. But she made her comeback in Budapest, where she captured gold. Now, she has a chance to win her fourth world title in Zagreb.

Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) had previously halted Maroulis at both the World Championships and Olympics, but with the Japanese star not entered in Zagreb, Maroulis has her best opportunity to top the podium again. The American remains the most experienced wrestler in the 57kg field, and her form in Budapest showed she’s still capable of a title run.

Her top challenger will be Olympic bronze medalist Kexin HONG (CHN), who was leading her semifinal in Paris against Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) before getting caught and pinned. Hong’s powerful gut-wrench remains a major weapon.

Il Sim SON (PRK), the Asian silver medalist, is another threat but may struggle due to inexperience. Himeka TOKUHARA (JPN) is also capable of upsetting top names. Other medal hopefuls include European champion Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (UWW), Tokyo silver medalist Iryna KURACHKINA (UWW), and U20 world champions Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE) and TAPSYA (IND).

At 72kg, Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) could make history by becoming Kazakhstan’s first-ever world champion. A three-time silver medalist, she lost to Amit ELOR (USA) twice and to Ami ISHII (JPN) last year, but neither of them is in her path this time. Still, the weight class has strong contenders.

Former world champion Masako FURUICHI (JPN) is looking to reclaim the top spot and stands a good chance. European champion Alla BELINSKA (UKR) is chasing her first world medal, as is world and European U23 champion Nesrin BAS (TUR). Former world U20 champion Jyoti BERWAL (IND) also has an outside chance at a podium finish.

Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) is looking to rediscover her magic on the mat. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Can Khomenets rebound?

At one point in her career, Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) was seen as the next big star in Ukrainian wrestling. She captured age-group world and European titles and won silver at the 2023 World Championships at 55kg. However, injuries derailed her progress, and she’s now working to return to peak form.

She finished seventh at last year’s World Championships, but a bronze at the European Championships earlier this year has helped her regain confidence. A medal in Zagreb could further boost her motivation.

The 55kg field is deep. European champion Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) has emerged as a top contender, having defeated Tatiana DEBIEN (FRA) in the final. Debien will look to avenge that close 6-5 loss.

Asian 53kg champion Kyong Ryong OH (PRK) is another strong challenger. Her versatile attacks and solid defense, showcased in her win over Moe KIYOOKA (JPN), make her a serious threat.

Japan will be represented by former world U20 champion Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN), who suffered an injury in Samokov in August. Her fitness and ability to handle the weight cut from 57kg will be challenging.

Onishi in the senior league

Soon after winning her second U20 world title in August, Sakura ONISHI (JPN) said it was only the first of two she hopes to win this year -- the second being a senior world title. A month later, she heads to Zagreb aiming to complete the double.

Onishi’s deadly leg lace helped her dominate in Samokov, and across two U20 World Championships, she hasn’t conceded a single point. But senior-level competition is a different test.

She narrowly won the Asian title in April, edging Pyol HUNG (PRK) 6-4. Hung, also entered in Zagreb, will be aiming for revenge. Still, with that win and time to reflect, Onishi enters as the favorite.

Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA), world 55kg champion in 2019, is now at 59kg hoping to add another world medal. She will be tested at the heavier weight class.

Ringaci vs Bullen: Part 3

Grace BULLEN (NOR) may have won both her matches against Irina RINGACI (MDA) at 65kg this year, but neither victory came easily. In their latest bout, Ringaci was leading 14-6 and was one turn away from victory when Bullen blocked a gut-wrench attempt and secured a dramatic fall. Earlier, at the European Championships, Bullen narrowly held on for an 11-8 win in the final.

Their rivalry could see a third chapter in Zagreb, and Ringaci will be eager to finally get the win. While Bullen holds the edge, a World title victory would be far more meaningful. Both wrestlers match each other in style -- strong defense, explosive throws, and a tendency to get tangled in high-scoring exchanges.

Outside this duo, the field includes former world champions Qi ZHANG (CHN) and Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN), Olympic silver medalist Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR), and world bronze medalist Macey KILTY (USA). Zhang has struggled since moving up from 59kg, while Morikawa, a bronze medalist last year, will need to raise her level. Koliadenko is also adjusting after moving up from 62kg. Kilty, a two-time world bronze medalist, remains a strong podium contender.

Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) is looking for her first world title. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 76kg, Asian champion Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) enters as the favorite, though recent losses -- including in the Tirana Ranking Series and Paris bronze match -- expose her troubles on the mat against quality opponents.

Among the contenders will be Milaimy MARIN (CUB) who defeated Medet Kyzy in the bronze medal bout in Paris, former Asian champion Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ), European champion Anastasiya ALPYEYEVA (UKR) and world U23 champion Kylie WELKER (USA).

Fifth-placer at the Olympics Genesis REASCO (ECU) and world U20 champion PRIYA (IND) will also aim for medals.

Russia, Iran Share Two FS Titles to Deny Azerbaijan at #WrestleUfa

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World Championships 2025 Women's Wrestling Preview