#BudaWrestle2018

Snyder-Sadulaev II Set, Japan Puts 2 in Women's Finals

By Andrew Hipps

BUDAPEST, Hungary (October 22) -- Last year, the 97kg gold-medal final between Kyle SNYDER (USA) and Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) at the World Championships in Paris was called match was called the Match of the Century.That match is on again in Budapest. 

The two Rio Olympic champions took care of business in the semifinal round at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Monday. Neither wrestler surrounded a point. 

Snyder picked up a controlled 3-0 victory over Pavlo OLIINYK (HUN). The American scored the only point in the first period off the shot clock. He then added an early takedown in the second period. He now turns his attention to Sadulaev. 

"I'm ready," said Snyder. "I'm prepared. I feel like I'm better than I was last time. It's going to be a great match. We'll both be recovered and ready to fight."

Sadulaev, the 2016 Olympic champion at 86kg, claimed his fourth technical fall in four matches, beating Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO) 10-0 in the semifinals. Sadulaev took a 4-0 lead into the break, and then ended the match early in the second period after a takedown and two consecutive gut wrenches.

At 70kg in freestyle, veteran Adam BATIROV (BRN) will wrestle for his first world medal on the senior level at the age of 33 after dominating Andriy KVYATKOVSKYY (UKR) 10-0 in the semifinals. Batirov used a four-point arm throw in the first period, and then a takedown and two turns to end the match in the second period. 

2015 world champion Magomedrasul GAZIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) defeated returning world champion Zurabi IAKOBISHVILI (GEO) 3-1 at 70kg. Iakobishvili led 1-0 after the opening period, but GAZIMAGOMEDOV scored a point in the second period to take the criteria lead and then added to his lead with a late takedown.

Japanese women Mayu MUKAIDA and Risako KAWAI will be looking to add to their gold-medal collection on Tuesday after earning victories in the semifinals. 

Mukaida, a 2016 world champion, was impressive in winning 8-1 over 20-year-old junior silver medalist Qi ZHANG (CHN). She scored off three takedowns in the first period and added another one in the final period to win by seven.

Her finals opponent at 55kg will be Zalina SIDAKOVA (BLR), who snuck past Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) in the semifinals. The two traded points off the shot clock before Sidakova forced a step out to take a 2-1 lead. Winchester fired off a double leg in the closing seconds and was initially awarded the takedown, but it was white paddled and Sidakova took the victory.

Kawai, the reigning world and Olympic champion, claimed a 10-0 technical fall in the semifinals over Svetlana LIPATOVA (RUS). She went up 6-0 in the first period after two takedowns and a turn. She then ended the match early in the second period with another takedown and turn. Kawai outscored her opposition 36-0 on Monday.  

In the other semifinal at 59kg, Elif YESILIRMAK (TUR) trailed 1-1 on criteria with 1:30 left before getting a takedown and locking up a lace which he used to score four turns en route to picking up an 11-1 technical fall.  

Semifinal Results

Freestyle

70kg
Adam BATIROV (BRN) df. Andriy KVYATKOVSKYY (UKR) by VSU, 10-0
Magomedrasul GAZIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) df. Zurabi IAKOBISHVILI (GEO) by VPO1, 3-1

97kg
Kyle SNYDER (USA) df. Pavlo OLIINYK (HUN) by VPO, 3-0
Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) df. Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO) by VSU, 10-0

Women's wrestling

55kg
Zalina SIDAKOVA (BLR) df. Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) by VPO1, 2-1
Mayu MUKAIDA (JPN) df. Qi ZHANG (CHN) by VPO1, 8-1

59kg
Elif Jale YESILIRMAK (TUR) df. Shoovdor BAATARJAV (MGL) by VSU1, 11-1
Risako KAWAI (JPN) df. Svetlana LIPATOVA (RUS) by VSU, 10-0

#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.