March 2024 International Men's Freestyle Rankings

#3 Zelimkhan Abakarov (ALB) moved up to 61 KG for the European Championships and took silver there to #1 (61) Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) to take the #2 spot in the rankings. #4 Arsen Harutyunyan (ARM) won gold at the European Championships by tech fall over #20 Muhammet Karavus (TUR) with Islam Bazarganov (AZE) and Roberti Dingashvili (GEO). Islam Bazarganov (AZE) returns to the rankings at #15 for beating 2021 Senior World bronze medalists #16 Aryan Tyutrin (BLR) and Horst Lehr (GER) on his way to taking bronze.

Muslim Sadulaev (RUS) won the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament over Yunus Yavbatirov (RUS) with Kurban Salikhov (RUS) and Ramazan Shakhbanov (RUS) taking bronze. Spencer Lee (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships over Pedro Mejias Rodriguez (VEN) with Oscar Tigreros Urbano (COL) and Guesseppe Rea Villarroel (ECU) taking bronze. #10 Gulomjon Abdullaev (UZB) won the Uzbek Botiliari Tournament over Makhmudjon Shavkatov (UZB) with Vladislav Nikandarov (UZB) and Nadir Jumanazarov (KGZ) taking bronze.

61 KG

Asyl Aitakyn (KAZ) won the Kazakhstan National Championships. Abubakar Mutaliev (RUS) won the Championship of Dagestan over Shamil Islamov (RUS) with Gadzhimagomed Akhmedov (RUS) and Magomedrasul Dagirov (RUS) taking bronze.

#3 Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) took back the #1 spot at 61 KG with a victory over #3 (57) Zelimkhan Abakarov (ALB) in the finals of the European Championship. This is relevant to Magomedov’s return to the top as Abakarov beat former #1 Vito Arujau (USA) before he won gold in Belgrade. Bronze medalists at the European Championships were Nuraddin Novruzov (AZE) and Mezhlum Mezhlumyan (ARM). Mezhlum Mezhlumyan (ARM) enters the rankings at #20 for beating 2023 Senior World bronze medalist Shota Phartenadze (GEO) in repechage. Nuraddin Novruzov (AZE) enters the rankings at #19 for beating Georgi Vangelov (BUL) for bronze after Vangelov had beaten Andrei Bekrenev (BLR) who had beaten #15 Arman Eloyan (FRA) in the round of 16.

Abubakar Mutaliev (RUS) won the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament over Said Khunkerov (RUS) with Rakhman Butuev (RUS) and Lev Pavlov (RUS) taking bronze. Nick Suriano (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships over Joey Silva (PUR) with Juan Lavat Cortez (MEX) taking bronze.

65 KG

Mais Aliyev (KAZ) won the Kazakhstan National Championships over Sanzar Mukhtar (KAZ) with 2019 65 KG Russian Nationals runner-up Naachyn Kuular (KAZ) taking bronze. Abdulmazhid Kudiev (TJK) won the Tajik National Championships. Eldar Akhmadudinov (RUS) won the Championship of Dagestan over #15 Ramazan Ferzaliev (RUS) with Muhammad Dadaev (RUS) and Abdurakhman Rasulov (RUS) taking bronze. Eldar Akhmadudinov (RUS) debuts in the rankings at #18 for beating #15 Ramazan Ferzaliev (RUS) in the finals of the Championship of Dagestan with Ferzaliev dropping four spots to #19 for his loss to #18 Akhmadudinov.

2023 65 KG Senior World Champion #1 Ismail Musukaev (HUN) wrestled up at 70 KG where he took bronze and is currently ranked #4 in the world. #2 Shamil Mamedov (RUS) is the new number one wrestler in the world in Musukaev’s absence. Islam Dudaev (ALB) returns to the rankings at #3 for winning the European Championships over #4 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS) with Kizhan Clarke (GER) and Ali Rahimzada (AZE) taking bronze. Kizhan Clarke (GER) debuts in the rankings at #13 for beating #7 Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM) in repechage, while #7 Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM) drops seven spots to #14 for his loss to #13 Kizhan Clarke (GER).

Ramazan Ferzaliev (RUS) won the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament over Magomedamin Bekbulatov (RUS) with Rustam Dolaev (RUS) and Alexander Shabanov (RUS) taking bronze. #9 Nick Lee (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships over Augustin Destribats (ARG) with Josh Kramer (ECU) and Shannon Hanna (BAH) taking bronze. Umidjon Jalolov (UZB) won the Uzbek Botilari Tournament overt Sharip Uulu Bilal (KGZ) with Alpamis Kdirniyazov (UZB) and Nurmuhammed Khaydaraliev (UZB) taking bronze.

70 KG

Meirzhan Ashirov (KAZ) won the Kazakhstan National Championships. #10 Viktor Rassadin (TJK) moved up to 74 KG where he won the Tajikistan National Championships and has been removed from the 70 KG rankings. Abudaud Ibragimov (RUS) won the Championship of Dagestan over Ali Makhachev (RUS) with Rustam Karakhanov (RUS) and Akhmed Khamidov (RUS) taking bronze.

#7 Arman Andreasyan (ARM) won the European Championships over #18 Akaki Kemertelidze (GEO) with #1 (65) Ismail Musukaev (HUN) and #5 Ramazan Ramazanov (BUL) taking bronze. #7 Arman Andreasyan (ARM) moves up four spots in the rankings to #3 for beating #1 (65) Ismail Musukaev (HUN) in the semifinals of the European Championships. Musukaev debuts in the 70 KG rankings at #4 after taking bronze at the European Championships. #18 Akaki Kemertelidze (GEO) moves up eleven spots in the rankings to #7 for beating #5 Ramazan Ramazanov (BUL) in the semifinals of the European Championships. #5 Ramazan Ramazanov (BUL) falls three spots in the rankings to #8 for his loss to #7 Akaki Kemertelidze (GEO) at the European Championships. 2022 70 KG Junior World Champion Kanan Heybatov (AZE) debuts in the rankings at #13 for beating two-time 70 KG Russian Nationals champion #14 Israil Kasumov (RUS) in the round of 16 at the European Championships.

Abudaud Ibragimov (RUS) won the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament over Islam Zakuev (RUS) with Turpal-Ali Khatuev (RUS) and Umar Umarov (RUS) taking bronze. Alec Pantaleo (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships over Peiman Biabani (CAN) with Mauricio Alejandro Lovera (ARG) taking bronze.

74 KG

Nurkhoza Kaipanov (KAZ) won the Kazakhstan National Championships. Viktor Rassadin (TJK) won the Tajikistan National Championships. Umar Mutaliev (RUS) won the Championship of Dagestan over Asludin Bagamaev (RUS) with Omarashkab Tazhudinov (RUS) and Alu Dukhaev (RUS) taking bronze.

#1 (79) Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK) made a triumphant return to 74 KG, winning his fourth European title with a victory over Soner Demirtas (TUR) with #11 Turan Bayramov (AZE) and Imam Ganishov (RUS) taking bronze. #1 (79) Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK) returns to the 74 KG rankings at #6. Imam Ganishov returns to the rankings at #17 for beating #14 Murad Kuramagomedov (HUN) for bronze at the European Championships. Soner Demirtas (TUR) returns to the rankings at #16 for beating #17 Imam Ganishov (RUS) and #18 Murad Kuramagomedov (HUN) at the European Championships to make the finals.

Akhmed Khamidov (RUS) won the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament over Magomed Tulshaev (RUS) with Dzhokhar Dzhabayev (RUS) and Omarashkab Tazhudinov (RUS) taking bronze. #2 Kyle Dake (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships by forfeit over Julio Rodriguez Romero (DOM) with Shane Jones (PUR) and Anthony Montero Chirinos (VEN) taking bronze. 2019 U23 World Champion Razambek Zhamalov (UZB) made a successful return to competition after being out for 10 months by winning the Uzbek Botilari Tournament over Asomiddin Khasanov (UZB) with Begijon Kuldoshev (UZB) and Kanat Kerembekov (KAZ) taking bronze. Razambek Zhamalov (UZB) returns to the rankings at #4 based off wins over #5 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR), #6 Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK), #7 David Baev (RUS), #8 Chermen Valiev (ALB), #11 Frank Chamizo (ITA), #12 Khetag Tsabolov (SRB), and #15 Timur Bizhoev (RUS).

79 KG

Azamat Omurzhanov (KAZ) won the Kazakhstan National Championships. #10 Kasum Kasumov (RUS) won the Championship of Dagestan over Dibir Magomedov (RUS) with Said Sadulov (RUS) and Mukhtar Shaipov (RUS) taking bronze.

#1 Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK) returns to 74 KG where he is currently ranked #6. #4 Akhmed Usmanov (RUS) won the European Championships over #5 (74) Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR) with #11 (74) Frank Chamizo (ITA) and #6 Avtandil Kentchadze (GEO) taking bronze. There were a litany of relevant 74 KG results that took place at 79 KG, which are as follows: #11 (74) Frank Chamizo (ITA) over #12 (74) Khetag Tsabolov (SRB) in the qualification round, #11 (74) Frank Chamizo (ITA) over #5 Orkhan Abasov (AZE) in the quarterfinals, and #5 (74) Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR) over #11 (74) Frank Chamizo (ITA) in the semifinals. #4 Akhmed Usmanov (RUS) notched ranked wins over the likes of #5 (74) Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (RUS), #19 (74) Georgios Kougioumtsidis (GRE) and #6 Avtandil Kentchadze (GEO).

Dibir Magomedov (RUS) won the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament by forfeit over Kamil Abdulvagabov (RUS) with Abdulmuslim Abdulmuslimov (RUS) and Idar Khatanov (RUS) taking bronze. Kamil Abdulvagabov (RUS) debuts in the 79 KG rankings at #11 for beating 2021 Senior World bronze medalist #7 Radik Valiev (RUS) in the preliminary round of the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament. #7 Radik Valiev (RUS) falls five spots to #12 for his loss to #11 Kamil Abdulvagabov (RUS). Alex Facundo (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships over Jasmit Singh Phulka (CAN) with Jose Manuel Cano Lopez (MEX) taking bronze.

86 KG

Nurzhan Isagaliev (KAZ) won the Kazakhstan National Championships. Zagid Karimov (RUS) won the Championship of Dagestan over Magomedmurad Dadaev (RUS) with Akhmed Mirzabegov (RUS) and Magomednabi Magomedov (RUS) taking bronze.

#5 Dauren Kurugliev (RUS) won the European Championships over #4 Myles Amine (SMR) with Osman Gocen (TUR) and #19 Arsenii Dzhioev (AZE) taking bronze. #5 Dauren Kurugliev (GRE) moves up one spot to #4 for beating #4 Myles Amine (SMR). Osman Gocen (TUR) returns to the rankings at #6 for beating #6 Magomed Ramazanov (BUL) in the quarterfinals. #19 Arsenii Dzhioev (AZE) moves up nine spot to #10 for beating #9 Arslan Bagaev (RUS) and two-time Junior World Champion Rakhim Magamadov (FRA) on his way to taking bronze at the European Championships.

Alan Naifonov (RUS) won the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament over Abdulla Tsatsaev (RUS) with Zagid Karimov (RUS) and Azamat Hadzaragov (RUS) taking bronze. #16 Chance Marsteller (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships by forfeit over Pedro Ceballos Fuentes (VEN) with Carlos Izquierdo Mendez (COL) and Jorge Llano (ARG) taking bronze. #17 Tazhidin Akaev (RUS) won the Uzbek Botilari Tournament over Sadriddin Daminjonov (UZB) with Abbas Jurahujaev (UZB) and Bobur Islamov (UZB) taking bronze.

92 KG

Adilet Davlumbaev (KAZ) won the Kazakhstan National Championships. Magomedgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) won the Dagestan Championships over Abdula Gamzatov (RUS) with Yakub Sadykov (RUS) and Shaikh Javatkhanov (RUS) taking bronze. #7 Feyzullah Akturk (TUR) won the European Championships over Boris Makoev (SVK) with #1 Magomed Kurbanov (RUS) and #17 Miriani Maisuradze (GEO) taking bronze. Boris Makoev (SVK) returns to the rankings at #2 for beating #1 Magomed Kurbanov (RUS) in the semifinals and falling to #7 Feyzullah Akturk (TUR) in the finals of the European Championships. #7 Feyzullah Akturk (TUR) bumps up six spots to #1 for winning Euros over #2 Boris Makoev (SVK). 2023 92 KG Senior World runner-up Osman Nurmagomedov (AZE) returns to the rankings at #5 upon returning from 86 KG and did not place at the European Championships after a round of 16 loss to #3 Magomed Kurbanov (RUS).

Shaikh Javatkhanov (RUS) won the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament by injury default over #13 Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS) with #15 Omar Ziyautdinov (RUS) and Gadzhimagomed Tazhudinov (RUS) taking bronze. #8 Nathan Jackson (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships over Tejvar Singh Boal (CAN) with Cesar Ubico Estrada (ARG) taking bronze.

97 KG

Alisher Yergali (KAZ) returns to the rankings at #13 for beating 2023 92 KG Senior World Champion Rizabek Aitmukhan (KAZ) in the finals of the Kazakhstan National Championships. Aitmukhan debuts in the 97 KG rankings at #14 behind Yergali for wins over #1 (92) Feyzullah Akturk (TUR), #5 (92) Osman Nurmagomedov (AZE), and #19 (92) Miriani Maisuradze (GEO). Akhmed Timirsultanov (RUS) won the Championship of Dagestan over Magomed Aliyev (RUS) with Magomed Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) and Magomed Bagavdinov (RUS) taking bronze.

#9 Givi Matcharashvili (GEO) moves up one spot to #8 for beating #8 Magomedkhan Magomedov (AZE) for gold at the European Championships. Bronze medalists at the European Championships were Vladislav Baitsaev (HUN) and #18 Ibragim Ciftci (TUR). #18 Ibragim Ciftci (TUR) moves up three spots to #18 for beating #16 Aleksandr Hushtyn (BLR) for bronze. Aleksandr Hushtyn (BLR) returns to the rankings at #16 for beating 2023 U23 World Runner-up #18 Radu Lefter (MDA) in the qualification round of the European Championships.

Ashkab Boltukaev (RUS) won the North Caucasian Federal District Tournament over Magomed Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) with Kilyab Musaev (RUS) and Irbeg Tavgazov (RUS) taking bronze. #4 Kyle Snyder (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships over Arturo Silot Torres (CUB) with Luis Perez Sosa (DOM) and Cristian Sarco Colmenarez (VEN) taking bronze. Rustam Chodiev (UZB) won the Uzbek Botliari Tournament over #16 (92) Shamil Imam Gadzhialiev (RUS) with Ajiniyaz Saparniyazov (UZB) and Sherzod Poyonov (UZB) taking bronze.

125 KG

Yusup Batirmurzaev (KAZ) won the Kazakhstan National Championships. Magomed Alichuev (RUS) won the Championship of Dagestan over Ali Aliyev (RUS) with Umar Israilov (RUS) and Gamzat Alizhudinov (RUS) taking bronze.

#2 Taha Akgul (TUR) won the European Championships over #3 Geno Petriashvili (GEO) with #20 Giorgi Meshvildishvili (AZE) and #12 Alen Khubulov (BUL) taking bronze. #20 Giorgi Meshvildishvili (AZE) moves up to #9 for beating #9 Azamat Khoshonov (GRE) in the quarterfinals and Dzianis Khramiankov (BLR) for bronze.

Umar Israilov (RUS) won the NCFD tournament by forfeit over Atsamaz Tebloev (RUS). Bronze medalists at the NCFD tournament were Magomed Alichuev (RUS) and Gamzat Alizhudinov (RUS). #5 Mason Parris (USA) won the Pan-Am Championships by forfeit over Jonovan Smith (PUR) with Jose Diaz Robertii (VEN) and Ibrain Torres Espinosa (CUB) taking bronze. Rasul Magomedov (RUS) won the Uzbek Botilari tournament over Khasanboy Rakhimov (UZB) with Sardorbek Kholmatov (UZB) and Dilmuhammed Nurmuhammedov (UZB) taking bronze.

Pound for Pound

2023 61 KG Senior World runner-up Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) is back in the pound for pound rankings at #8 for beating #8 Zelimkhan Abakarov (ALB) in the finals of the 61 KG European Championships. Abakarov falls one spot to #9. Two-time 74 KG Russian Nationals champion Razambek Zhamalov returns to the pound for pound rankings at #11 after returning from a 10 month lay-off and winning gold at the Uzbek Botilari tournament. Zhamalov has wins over #12 Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK), #13 Chermen Valiev (ALB) and #18 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR). Arman Andreasyan (ARM) debuts in the pound for pound rankings at #21 for beating 2023 65 KG World Champion #10 Ismail Musukaev (HUN) in the semifinals of the 70 KG European Championships on his path to taking gold. #10 Ismail Musukaev (HUN) drops twelve spots to #22 for his loss to #21 Arman Andreasyan (ARM) at the 70 KG European Championships. 65 KG European Champion Islam Dudaev (ALB) debuts in the rankings at #24 for winning gold over #25 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS).

Seth PetarraMarch 6, 2024