Rivalry

Wrestling Showcases Heavyweight Battle in Short Film, "Rivalry: Taha v. Geno" 

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 15) -- They are the largest men in the sport of wrestling and for the past several years they've been exchanging some of its most epic battles.

With back-and-forth action and incredible stamina leading to nail-biting outcomes, Rio Olympic champion Taha AKGUL (TUR) and three-time world champion Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) have become appointment viewing for wrestling fans around the world. The duo has competed more than a half dozen times, exchanging wins and losses in what are often high-scoring matches with exertion that often seems in defiance of what is possible.

The documentary highlights the action on the mat, but also the incredible respect and admiration the duo shares for each other. 'I'm extra prepared and motivated each time we wrestle," says Akgul in the film. "He's an incredible sportsman with a strong will," replies Petriashvili.

While the action on the mat can get heated, the duo has showcased the power of respect in a rivalry and that wrestling -- while intense and without forgiveness -- can be a platform for building character.

Fans can watch the documentary for free on YouTube, IGTV, Facebook, and the UWW website.

#wrestlebishkek

WATCH: 10 Greco-Roman finals from #WrestleBishkek

By Vinay Siwach

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (June 13) -- Iran brought some of its best Greco-Roman wrestlers to Bishkek for the third Ranking Series event and they did not disappoint, winning five gold medals in the tournament to finish at the top of the team rankings.

Georgian and Uzbekistan won two gold medals each while Kazakhstan won a single gold as well.

Watch all the 10 gold medal bouts from the third Ranking Series event here.

GOLD: 55kg - Marlan MUKASHEV (KAZ) vs. Ikhtiyor BOTIROV (UZB) 

GOLD: 67kg - Danial SOHRABI (IRI) vs. HUSIYUETU (CHN) 

GOLD: 97kg -  Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) vs. Yiming LI (CHN) 

GOLD: 130kg - Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) vs. Oscar PINO (CUB)