2021 U23 World bronze medadlist Jay Aiello (Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com)57 KG
U-23 European runner-up Aliabbas Rzazade (AZE) won a heated 6-6 criteria match over Kyrgyzstan's Bekbolot Myrzanazar Uulu to walk away with the 57 KG U-23 world title. Finishing with bronze medals at the U-23 world championships were Manvel Khndzrtsyan (ARM) by 10-0 tech fall over Saurabh Igave (IND) and Ahmad Mohammadnezhadjavan (IRI) over Dzmitry Shamela (BLR) 3-2. Rzazade, Myzanazar Uulu, Khndzrtsyan and Igave all make the rankings after their performances at U-23 world's at #17, #18, #19, and #20. Their places in the rankings are earned from the fact U-23 world semifinalist Saurabh Igave (IND) beat Rakhat Kalzhan (KAZ) in the quarterfinals after Kalzhan had beaten #18 Ramazan Abdurakhmanov (RUS) and Simone Piroddu (ITA). Aliabbaz Rzazade beats Bekbolot Myzanazar Uulu, Manvel Khndzrtsyan, Mukhammad Ikromov and Saurabh Igave then from there it goes to Khndzrtsyan beating Mukhammad Ikromov (The 2020 61 KG Senior Asian runner-up and a ranked 61KG last year) and Saurabh Igave to take bronze and the #19 spot behind Bekbolot Myzanazar Uulu (KGZ) who has beaten 57 KG Olympic 5th place finisher Georgi Vangelov (BUL) and Dzmitry Shamela (BLR) this year.
2020 European champion #11 Azamat Tuskaev (RUS) was successful in capturing gold at the Military World Championships with victories over Ahmad Javan (IRI) and U-23 World bronze medalist #19 Manvel Khndzrtsyan (ARM). Russian National and European runner-up #13 Nachyn Mongush (RUS) made the move up to 61 KG, where he took gold at the Military World Championships over 2018 Senior world 5th place finisher Mohammadba Yakhkeshi (IRI). Mongush is now ranked #9 at 61 KG.
61KG
Senior world bronze medalist #5 Arsen Harutyunyan (ARM) won the 61 KG U-23 World title with an 11-7 barnburner of a match against #18 Artur Chebodaev (RUS). Bronze medalists at the U-23 World Championships were Assyl Aitakyn (KAZ) over Gamzatgadzhi Khalidov (HUN) 3-3 and Narankhuu Narmandakh (MGL) over Chris Cannon (USA) 10-0.
There were major shakeups to the bottom half of the top 20 after U-23 World Championships and to understand that you have to go back to the U-23 European Championships back in May that had to deal with Taimuraz Vanishvili (GEO), Nico Megerle (GER), #10 Muslim Mekhtikhanov (RUS) and Ruhan Rasim (BUL). So the short and fast of it is that Vanishvili wins it all, beats Megerle, who got the upset of the tournament by teching Russian Nationals runner-up #10 Muslim Mekhtikhanov and then Megerle absolutely bombs out and ends up taking 5th after a loss to Ruhan Rasim (BUL). So the breakdown of it was that Vanishvili and Megerle just occupied the 12-13 spot for a couple months and as time went on and on, it showed that U-23 European championships performance from Mekhtikhanov losing and Vanishvili and Megerle winning was more and more of a flash in the pan and the guys fell but still decent enough to justify a spot in the bottom half of the rankings at #16 and #17 going into U-23 World's.
So having explained the Vanishvili/Megerle U-23 situation, that finally gets put to bed by Arman Eloyan (FRA), Narankhuu Narmandakh (MGL) and Gamzatgadzhi Khalidov (HUN). We'll start with Khalidov as he is the most straightforward as he beats #17 Nico Megerle (GER) 4-3 in repechage and loses his bronze medal match to Yasar Dogu runner-up Assyl Aitakyn (KAZ), so now Megerle is out. Now the Eloyan/Narmandakh/Vanishvili trio has a bit more steps, with Arman Eloyan (FRA) beating #16 Taimuraz Vanishvili (GEO) in the round of 16 and then being beaten 11-4 in the quarterfinals by Narankhuu Narmandakh (MGL), who'd go on to take bronze after losing to #18 Artur Chebodaev (RUS). So the aftermath of U-23 World's is that the Vanishvili and Megerle are out, #18 Artur Chebodaev (RUS) gets boosted into the top 15 at #14 and Narankhuu Narmandakh (MGL) is ranked at #20 for beating Arman Eloyan (FRA).
Military World's was exponentially more straightforward than U-23 World's and culminated with #13 (57) Nachyn Mongush (RUS) winning gold over 2018 Senior world 5th placer Mohammadba Yakhkeshi (IRI). Bronze medalists at the World Military Championships were Harutyun Manukyan (ARM) and Abdulhak Harbadzi (ALG). Mongush debuts in the 61 KG rankings at #9 off the strength of his wins at 57 KG over world bronze medalist #7 (57) Aryan Tyutrin (BLR) and #11 Azamat Tuskaev (RUS).
65KG
Georgios Pilidis (GRE) won the 65 KG U-23 World Championships title with a controversial victory 4-3 by way of a singlet pull violation from #15 Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (RUS). Bronze medalists at the U-23 World Championships were Junior World runner-up Ziraddin Bayramov (AZE) over Stilyan Illiev (BUL) 10-0 and Cavit Acar (TUR) over Hrachya Margaryan (ARM) 4-2.
65 KG had a lot of shakeup from U-23 with U-23 European champion #9 Erik Arushanian (UKR) losing in the qualification round to Aibek Toktogul Uulu (KGZ) and then Uulu being tech falled in the quarterfinals 10-0 by eventual bronze medalist Cavit Acar (TUR) who'd lose to Georgios Pilidis (GRE) in the semis. Add onto the U-23 action was that #7 Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM) and #13 Ilyas Bekbulatov (UZB) both left the weight with Vazgen going up to 70 and taking silver at U-23 world's and Ilyas declaring he'll compete at 74 in the future and you've got a lot to deal with.
So the aftermath of it all is that Georgios Pilidis (GRE) debuts in the rankings at #12 while Cavit Acar (TUR) and Aibek Toktogul Uulu (KGZ) debut at #14 and #15, respectively and #9 Erik Arushanian (UKR) drops seven spots to #6. The other main result from November was Tokyo Olympian Morteza Ghiasi (IRI) winning the Military World Championships over Artur Badtiev (RUS), with Ahmad Darki (SYR) taking bronze.
70 KG
In a battle of 65 KG Tokyo Olympians, 70 KG Senior world runner-up #2 Ernazar Akhmataliev (KGZ) put on a 10-2 clinic against #7 (65) Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM). Bronze medalists at the U-23 World Championships were Aliakbar Fazlikhalili (IRI) over Murad Evloev (AZE) 5-4 and U-23 European runner-up Nicolai Grahmez (MDA) over Cuneyt Budak (TUR) 5-2.
In what was one of the biggest surprises of the whole tournament, the much anticipated international debut of #5 Rezuan Kazharov (RUS) imploded on itself. Kazharov, who'd impressed with a bronze medal at the Yarygin, gold at the Ali Aliyev over #15 (74) Azamat Nurikov (BLR) and who notched the biggest win of his career over Yarygin champion #6 Kurban Shiraev (RUS) at U-23 Russian nationals, was expected to be in heavy contention for gold even giving the caliber of the likes of #2 Ernazar Akmataliev (KGZ) and #7 Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM). But Kazharov first international competition was a frustration after having had to rally back from almost being teched in the first period against Syrbaz Talgat (KAZ) to take a 10-8 opening win; Kazharov was absolutely at a loss against the defense and length U-23 European runner-up Nicolai Grahmez (MDA) and lost a lopsided 9-4 match in the quarterfinals and be eliminated from competition.
The aftermath of the fall of Kazharov saw the talented Dagestani plummet in the rankings ten spots to #15 while U-23 World bronze medalist Nicolai Grahmez (MDA) debuts at #14 and Ernazar Akmataliev (KGZ) stays put at #2 and Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM) fills the same #7 spot up a weight. The other main result from this month was Senior world 5th place finisher #16 Arman Andreasyan (ARM) winning gold at the Military World Championships over 2019 65 KG Russian Nationals runner-up Nachyn Kuular (RUS). Bronze medalists at the World Military Championships were Mohammad Jafari (IRI) and Haytam Dakhlavi (TUN).
74KG
#11 Cherman Valiev (RUS) won his first U-23 world title over Mohammadsadegh Firouzpourbandpei (IRI) 7-6, after having lost in the finals two years ago at 70 KG by pin to Mirza Skhulukhia (GEO). Bronze medalists at the U-23 World Championships were Temuri Beruashvili (GEO) over Vasile Diacon (MDA) 3-3 and U-23 European runner-up Hrayar Alikanyan (ARM) 10-0 over Simon Marchl (AUT).
One of the bigger shockers of the tournament took place in the repechage bracket between 70 KG Senior world 5th placer #9 (70) Turan Bayramov (AZE) and 2019 70 KG Junior world runner-up Vasile Diacon (MDA). Both men had fallen to #11 Cherman Valiev (RUS) and it was presumed Bayramov would be the one to bounce back and win bronze, based on his sublime technique, even giving his distinct size disadvantage at the weight. Diacon showed that size mattered as he bullied Bayramov in the handfight and used a huge four-point throw counter to a Bayramov single leg on the edge to upset the Azeri 6-5. As Bayramov's primary weight is 70 KG, he will continue to stay ranked at 70, but it is still a very impressive win for Diacon.
#8 Magomed Kurbanaliev (RUS) won the Military World Championships over Fariboz Babae (IRI), while Kamil Rybicki (POL) and Menua Yaribekyan (ARM) finished as bronze medalists. #7 Timur Bizhoev (RUS) beat #14 Fazli Eryilmaz (TUR) in the Deutsche Ringerliga in a battle of world bronze medalists. 70 KG Junior World bronze medalist Stanislav Svinoboev (RUS) won the Macedonian Pearl.
79KG
#9 Magomed Magomaev (RUS) won the 79 KG U-23 World title with a 4-4 criteria win over U-23 European champion Ramazan Sari (TUR). Bronze medalists at the U-23 World championships were Ali Savadkouhi (IRI) over #11 Ashraf Ashirov (AZE) 8-2 and Arman Avagyan (ARM) over Goga Mamiauri (GEO) 4-4. Ali Savadkouhi (IRI) returns to the rankings at #15 as the Asian Championships runner-up notched an upset in the bronze medal match against Ashirov after losing to Magomaev in the quarterfinals.
Because of Savadkouhi's win over Ashirov, there was a shift of the bottom half of the top 20 (13-16) in Malik Shavaev (RUS), Khalil Aminov (RUS), Arsalan Budazhapov (KGZ) and Atsamaz Sanakoev (RUS) surging back up three spots each while #10 Ryuki Yoshida (JPN) fell 4 spots to #14 and #11 Ashraf Ashirov (AZE) and #12 Akhsarbek Gulaev (SVK) fell five spots each to #16 and #17.
Bahman Teymouri (IRI) won the Military World Championships over U-23 European runner-up Hrayar Alikanyan (ARM). 2018 Junior world bronze medalist David Betanov (RUS) took bronze. 2013 74 KG Russian Nationals champion Kakhaber Khubezhty (RUS) won the Macedonian Pearl tournament in his return to 79 after taking bronze at the Oleg Dukanov Memorial at 74 KG in January.
86KG
Three-time World/Olympic medalist #3 Artur Naifonov (RUS) took gold at the Military World Championships beating Mkher Markosyan (ARM). Bronze medalists at the Military World Championships were Hadi Vafaepour (IRI) and Fedaldin Alosta (SYR). Mukhammad Akiiev (UKR) won the 86 KG U-23 world title in impressive fashion, dismantling Sajjad Gholami (IRI) 11-4 in the finals. Taking bronze at the U-23 World Championships was Lars Schaeffle (GER) over Zagid Karimov (RUS) 3-0 and Ivars Samusonoks (LAT) over Emre Ciftci (TUR) 5-2. Mukhammad Akiiev (UKR) debuts in the rankings at #20 for his U-23 world title and his win over 2020 European bronze medalist Rasul Tikhaev (BLR) at the Senior World championships this year. 2019 European champion #7 Vladislav Valiev (RUS) moved up to 92 KG, where he won the Military World Championships and has been removed from the rankings.
92KG
Senior world bronze medalist #8 Osman Nurmagomedov (AZE) took gold at the U-23 World Championships with an impressive 4-2 victory over Russian Nationals bronze medalist #5 Azamat Zakuev (RUS) to move up two spots in the rankings to #6. Even in his runner-up finish to Nurmagomedov, #7 Azamat Zakuev (RUS) had an impressive run at U-23 World's, beating U-23 European champion #10 Erhan Yaylaci (TUR) handily, by a 9-1 score in the semifinals. Bronze medalists at the U-23 World Championships were #10 Erhan Yaylaci (TUR) over Rustam Shodiev (UZB) 13-2 and Amirhossein Firouzpourbandpei (IRI) 10-0 over Johannes Meyer (GER).
2019 86 KG European champion #7 (86) Vladislav Valiev (RUS) made the move up to 92 KG, where he won gold at the Military World Championships over Mohammad Mirbagban (IRI). Hovhannes Mkhitaryan (ARM) took bronze. Valiev slots in at the #5 spot in the 92 KG rankings off the strength of his wins over #8 Selim Yasar (TUR), #4 (86) Dauren Kurugliev (RUS) and #7 (86) Javrail Shapiev (UZB).
97KG
Amirali Azarpira (IRI) won the U-23 World Championships gold medal in impressive fashion to earn himself the #16 spot in the rankings. Azarpira beat U-23 European runner-up Radu Lefter (MDA), Jay Aiello (USA), #16 Zuriko Urtashvili (GEO) and Vasil Pauliuchenka (BLR) to take home the 97 KG U-23 title. Bronze medalists at the U-23 World Championships were Aiello) over Vasil Pauliuchenka (BLR) 13-2 and Danylo Stasiuk (UKR) over Milan Korcsog (HUN) 4-2.
Aiello was someone who had a major breakthrough performance at U-23 World's. A 3x NCAA qualifier for the University of Virginia at 197 pounds, Aiello stormed his way into the U-23 World semifinals with victories over 2019 Junior world bronze medalist Feyzullah Akturk (TUR) and U-23 Russian Nationals champion Shamil Gadzhialiev (RUS), before falling 9-0 in the semifinals to eventual champion Azarpira. Aiello capped off his U-23 World championships performance with a 13-2 tech fall over Pauliuchenka for bronze. Aiello debuts in the rankings at #17 while Vasil Pauliuchenka (BLR) takes #18 for his win in repechage over #16 Zuriko Urtashvili (GEO), who falls three spots to #19.
#8 Mohammad Mohammadian (IRI won his second career World Military title over 2020 Russian Nationals bronze medalist Erik Dzhioev (RUS). 2016 Olympian Radoslaw Baran (POL) took bronze.
125KG
Tony Cassioppi (USA) captured the United States only U-23 world gold medal in men's freestyle with a 13-0 tech fall victory over Azamat Khosonov (GRE). Cassioppi's best win came in the semifinals when he handled Russian Nationals bronze medalist Saypudin Magomedov (RUS) 5-0. Taking bronze at the U-23 world championships were Saypudin Magomedov (RUS) over Martin Simoyan (ARM) 10-0 and Seyedmehdi Hashemijouybari (IRI) over Mohit Mohit (IND).
2019 Asian champion Yadollah Mohebbi (IRI) made his return to competition after being out since January 2020. Mohebbi was victorious in capturing gold at the Military world championships with victories over 2020 Russian Nationals champion Alan Khugaev (RUS) and 2020 European runner-up Robert Baran (POL). Mohebbi returns to the rankings at #5 for his wins over #7 Zhiwei Deng (CHN) and #9 Nick Gwiazdowski (USA). Bronze medalists at the Military World Championships were Alan Khugaev (RUS) and Leva Gevorkian (ARM). 2020 Russian Nationals champion Alan Khugaev (RUS) is back in the rankings at #14 for his strong past domestic win over #12 Shamil Sharipov (RUS) but can't rise higher due to inactivity and a weaker international resume.
2019 97 KG world bronze medalist Magomedgadzhi Nurov (MKD) took gold up at heavyweight competing at the Macedonian Pearl over Georgi Ivanov (BUL) with Uvejz Fejzulla (MKD) taking bronze. #12 Erik Dzhioev (RUS) has been removed from the rankings due to the fact he cut back down to 97 KG and finished as runner-up to #8 Mohammad Mohammadian (IRI) at the Military World Championships.
P4P
There was a fair amount of shakeups on the bottom half of the top 20 for this month, with 125 KG world champion #11 Amir Zare (IRI) falling six spots to #17 and #24 Haji Aliyev (AZE) jumping up eight spots to #16. First things first, the catalyst to all this was reweighing the value of 74 KG and the depth of competition there compared to heavyweight, which has been at its best this year was a 4 person weight and even then by the end of it boiled down to Gable Steveson (USA) and #17 Amir Zare (IRI). At heavyweight, you're only chance of being in the P4P is off beating Petriashvili and Akgul, who firmly on the lower half at #18 and #19 as their resumes just don't stack up to that of superior competitors at tougher weight classes like 74 or 65 KG and they don't have the excuse of domination at a weak weight to tether them to a spot anymore.
Being in the top 10 of 74 KG is a feat in and of itself; the quality of the weight shines through as nine of the top ten athletes of the weight are in the pound for pound. The combined accomplishment of middleweight standouts (74-79) in the form of Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK), Frank Chamizo (ITA), Razambek Zhamalov (RUS), Timur Bizhoev (RUS), Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS) are all far more deserving of the #10-15 spots then a trio of heavyweights who have dominated a weight historically lacking in depth.
#24 Haji Aliyev (AZE) got a boost up eight spots to #16 in the rankings because his career wins are better than that of #17 Amir Zare (IRI) as he's beaten #5 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS), #21 Bajrang Punia (IND) and past pound for pound staples Vladimir Khinchegashvili (GEO), Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez (CUB) and Alexander Bogomoev (RUS).
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