2021 79 kg world champion Jordan Burroughs (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com)57 KG
#9 Abubakar Mutaliev (RUS) took the Umakhanov tournament title in a 9-6 victory over 2018 Alans bronze medalist Magomed Abdurakhmanov (RUS). Finishing with bronze at the Umakhanov was 2019 Russian Nationals runner-up Muslim Sadulaev (RUS) and Aleksey Kopylov (RUS). Sadulaev returns to the rankings at #16 for beating 2021 Yarygin runner-up Musa Mekhtikhanov (RUS) along with his past wins over #1 (61) Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) and Mutaliev, but doesn't rise higher because of his loss to Mutaliev in the quarters. Abdurakhmanov is ranked #17 for beating Aleksey and Petr Kopylov (RUS) after Petr had beaten U-23 Russian Nationals champion Ramazan Abdurakhmanov (RUS) in the round of 16. Abdurakhmanov also has a win to his name over 2021 Russian Nationals runner-up #10 (61) Nachyn Mongush (RUS) from the 2020 Russian Junior National championships.
The end of the year saw the final national championships go down for Turkey, Japan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Muhammad Karavus (TUR) won the Turkish national championships over Ahmet Karavus (TUR). Bronze medalists were Mehmet Yuce (TUR) and Ahmet Peker (TUR). 61 KG world bronze medalist #3 Toshihiro Hasegawa (JPN) made the cut down to 57 KG to win the Emperor's Cup over Yuto Takeshia (JPN), while 2019 Junior world champion Toshiya Abe (JPN) finished bronze. Hasegawa takes the #15 spot in the rankings. #5 Gulomyon Abdullaev (UZB) won the Uzbekistan national championships. 2019 Dan Kolov champion Beka Bujiashvili (GEO) won the Georgian National Championships over Roberti Dingashvili (GEO) with a 10-0 tech fall. 2021 European bronze medalist Afghan Khashalov (AZE) won the Azerbaijan national championships over U-23 world champion #17 Aliabbas Rzazade (AZE) to return to the rankings at #18. Muhammad Abdullaev (AZE) and Tofik Aliyev (AZE) took bronze. #4 Reza Atri (IRI) lost by tech fall to 61 KG world champion #1 (61) Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) in the finals of the Iranian Club Cup at 61 KG.
61 KG
There was a ridiculous amount of shake-ups for this month, so it's best to address the big shift in the top ten first and foremost. 2020 57 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist #13 (57) Akhmed Idrisov (RUS) is now #2 after winning the Shamil Umakhanov tournament over 2019 57 KG Russian Nationals champion #10 (57) Ramiz Gamzatov (RUS). Idrisov being ranked #2 ahead of current world runner-up in Daton Fix (USA) seems strange, but the reason for this is that, when you compare H2H wins and resumes, Idrisov and Gamzatov beat out Fix. Idrisov's wins since 2019 over #9 (57) Abubakar Mutaliev (RUS), #10 (57) Azamat Tuskaev (RUS), 3x European champion Giorgi Edisherashvili (AZE), 2x U-23 world champion Reineri Andreu Ortega (CUB), 2x world bronze medalist #14 (57) Bekhbayar Erdenebat (MGL), #3 Ramiz Gamzatov (RUS) and 2021 world bronze medalist #7 (57) Aryan Tyutrin (BLR) far outweigh Daton's resume of a win over an inconsistent #2 (57) Thomas Gilman in 2019, Reineri Andreu Ortega (CUB) in 2019 and then beating #6 Arsen Harutyunyan (ARM) and #9 Ravinder Ravinder (IND) at world's.
2019 world champion #7 Beka Lomtadze (GEO) moved up to 65 KG for the Georgian national championships, where he beat Edemi Bolkvadze (GEO) 2-1 in the finals. He has been removed from the rankings. 2021 U-23 European champion Taimuraz Vanishvili (GEO) won the Georgian national championships by forfeit over Otari Gogava (GEO). 2021 Asian champion Jahongirmirza Turobov (UZB) won Uzbekistan nationals and is back in the rankings at #7 as is Asian Championships runner-up Adlan Askarov (KAZ) at #8. Why they're able to come back in is because of the exit of a lot of the top 10 guys and because of 3x World/Olympic medalist #12 Nurislam Sanayev (KAZ) had beaten Turobov back in June of 2021 at the Ziolkowski and when Sanayev was upset by #14 Taras Markovych (UKR) later in June, it bumped down Turobov and Askarov in the rankings a major way until they were out altogether.
The bronze medalists of the Umakhanov tournament were Bashir Magomedov (RUS) and Rakhman Mintullaev (RUS). Bashir Magomedov debuts in the rankings at #12 for beating #14 Taras Markovych (UKR) and 2020 Russian Nationals bronze medalist Zhargal Damdinov (RUS).
2021 57 Grand Prix of Deglane runner-up Islam Bazarganov (AZE) won the Azerbaijan national championships over Tural Huseynov (AZE), with Intigam Valizada (AZE) and Murad Kagverdiyev (AZE) taking bronze. 2021 International Ukrainian Tournament champion #8 Akhmednabi Gvarzatilov (AZE) has been removed from the rankings as he moved up to 65 KG, where he finished as the runner-up at the Azerbaijan national championships to 2021 65 KG Junior world runner-up Ziraddin Bayramov (AZE).
Ryuto Sakai (JPN) earned the biggest win of his career, when he upset 2016 57 KG Olympic silver medalist Rei Higuchi (JPN) in the finals of the Emperor's Cup. Kodai Ogawa (JPN) finished with bronze. 2021 world bronze medalist #3 Toshihiro Hasegawa (JPN) moved down to 57 KG, where he won the Emperor's Cup over Yuto Takeshita (JPN) and was removed from the 61 KG rankings. #10 (57) Ramiz Gamzatov (RUS) takes the #6 spot in the rankings after his runner-up finish at the Umakhanov tournament to #2 Akhmed Idrisov (RUS). Gamzatov is able to take the #6 spot off the strength of wins over #9 (57) Abubakar Mutaliev (RUS), Islam Bazarganov (AZE) and #16 (57) Muslim Sadulaev (RUS).
#1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) went 2-0 competing at the Iranian Club Cup, beating #4 (57) Reza Atri (IRI) and Reza Momeni (IRI). Two-time 57 KG world medalist #12 (57) Suleyman Atli (TUR) won the Turkish national championships over Nebi Uzen (TUR) with Recep Topal (TUR) and Ahmet Tash (TUR) taking bronze. Atli makes his return to the 61 KG rankings at #15 while Nebi Uzen (TUR) takes the #16 spot over two-time European bronze medalist #17 Recep Topal (TUR).
65 KG
2021 Junior world champion Shamil Mamedov (RUS) had an absolutely huge December to put himself in the top 10 of 65 KG. Mamedov first beat 70 KG U-23 world bronze medalist #14 (70) Nicolai Grahmez (MDA) at Wolnik 7 and followed it up with a Umakhanov title at 65 KG over #10 Murshid Mutalimov (RUS) and #14 Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (RUS). Mamedov's big December culminates with him debuting in the rankings at #8.
The other results of note from the Umakhanov tournament was U-23 world runner-up #14 Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (RUS), finishing runner-up to #8 Shamil Mamedov (RUS) with Gadzhimurad Omarov (RUS) and #10 Murshid Mutalimov (RUS) finishing in bronze. Omarov, who took 5th at the 2021 Russian Nationals, returns to the rankings at #15 after beating 2021 Ali Aliyev runner-up Ramazan Ferzaliyev (RUS) in his opener and for his wins from 2021 Russian Nationals over #14 Ibragim Abdurakhmanov (RUS) and 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalist Julian Gergenov (RUS).
2019 61 KG Junior world champion Kaiki Yamaguchi (JPN) won the Emperor's Cup over Ryoma Anraku (JPN), with Yujiro Ueno (JPN) finishing with bronze. 2021 Junior world runner-up Ziraddin Bayramov (AZE) won the Azerbaijan national championships over 2021 61 KG International Ukrainian Tournament champion Akhmednabi Gvarazatilov (AZE) with Seymur Dzhabrailov (AZE) and Kanan Geybatov (AZE). 2019 61 KG world champion Beka Lomtadze (GEO) won Georgian nationals over Edemi Bolkvadze (GEO). Muenir Recep Aktas (TUR) won the Turkish national championships over Hamza Alaca (TUR) with Mensur Bayoglu (TUR) and Ertugrul Kahveci (TUR) taking bronze. U-23 world bronze medalist #14 Cavit Acar (TUR) has been removed from the rankings for his upset loss in the round of 16 to Mehmet Soyler (TUR).
There were two big matches at Wolnik 7 with #7 Akhmed Chakaev (RUS) beating #16 Nachyn Kuular (RUS) and #11 Ismail Musukaev (HUN) beating Ramazan Ferzaliev (RUS). 2021 world champion #5 Zagir Shakhiev (RUS) went 1-1 at the Iranian Club Cup beating Hasan Moradgoli (IRI) and losing to Tokyo Olympian Morteza Ghiasi Cheka (IRI), who takes the #12 spot for his win over Shakhiev. Abbos Rakhmonov (UZB) won Uzbekistan nationals. 2019 world runner-up #11 Daulet Niyazbekov (KAZ) has retired and was removed from the rankings.
70 KG
Two-time Russian Nationals bronze medalist #5 Kurban Shiraev (RUS) won the Umakhanov tournament over #13 Viktor Rassadin (RUS). Bronze medalists at the Umakhanov were Anzor Zakuev (RUS) and Alan Kudzoev (RUS). #8 (65) Shamil Mamedov (RUS) beat #14 Nicolai Grahmez (MDA) in a showcase match at Wolnik 7. Levan Kelekhsashvili (GEO) won Georgian Nationals over 2019 U-23 world champion Mirza Skhulukhia (GEO). Begijon Kuldashev (UZB) won Uzbekistan nationals. Selahattin Killicsallyan (TUR) won Turkish nationals over Budak Cuneyt (TUR) with Servet Coskun (TUR) and Sefa Aksoy (TUR) taking bronze.
2019 U-23 world bronze medalist Daud Ibragimov (AZE) enters the rankings at #20 after winning Azerbaijan nationals over Asker Mamadaliev (AZE) with Ali Rahimzade (AZE) and Murad Evloev (AZE) finishing bronze. Taishi Narikuni (JPN) won the Emperor's Cup over Hikaru Tokada (JPN) with Ryosuke Kera (JPN). Two-time 70 KG world champion #8 (74) Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov went 2-0 at the Iranian Club Cup down at 70 with wins over #17 Erfan Elahi (IRI) and Farhad Nuri (IRI). 2021 Junior world runner-up #18 Dzhabrail Gadzhiev (AZE) moved up to 74 KG, where he was the Azerbaijan national runner-up to Turan Bayramov (AZE) and was removed from the rankings.
74 KG
#1 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS) won a rematch of the 2021 Olympic finals against #2 (79) Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR) 6-1 at the Alrosa Cup to maintain his spot on the top. #2 (79) Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR) had a busy December, competing at the Alrosa Cup against #1 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS), where he lost 6-1 and then going to Iran for the World Club Cup where he went 1-1 up at 79 KG and beat world runner-up #6 Mohammad Nokhodilarimi (IRI) but lost to U-23 world bronze medalist #15 Ali Savadkouhi (IRI). Kadimagomedov is now ranked #2 up at 79 KG behind reigning world champion #1 Jordan Burroughs (USA).
2021 world bronze medalist #6 Timur Bizhoev (RUS) went 2-0 competing at the Iranian Club Cup, beating Jamal Safar (IRI) and 2016 70 KG world bronze medalist Mostafa Hosseinkhani (IRI). Daichi Takatani (JPN) won the Emperor's Cup of Kirin Kinoshita (JPN), with Masaki Sato (JPN) taking bronze. Turan Bayramov (AZE) beat Dzhabrail Gadzhiev (AZE) in the finals of the Azerbaijan national championships, with Joshgun Azimov (AZE) and Namus Orudzhev (AZE) taking bronze. 2021 70 KG Asian championships runner-up Sirojiddin Khasanov (UZB) won Uzbekistan Nationals. 2019 U-23 world bronze medalist Giorgi Sulava (GEO) won Georgian nationals.
Jason Nolf (USA) got the biggest win of his career when he dominated former world champion Khetag Tsabolov (SRB) at Wolnik 7. Two-time World/Olympic medalist #17 Soner Demirtas (TUR) moves up two spots in the rankings to #15 after winning Turkish nationals over Samet Ak (TUR). Ak makes his debut in the rankings #17 for upsetting world bronze medalist #15 Fazli Eryilmaz (TUR) in the semifinals with Eryilmaz falling three spots to #18 after his 5th place finish. Bronze medalists at Turkish nationals were Ismet Ciftci (TUR) and Tarik Gur (TUR).
There were some shake-ups on the back-end of the rankings after the Umakhanov tournament. Mohamad Nasirkhaev (RUS) debuts in the rankings at #11 after winning gold over #12 Akhmad Shakhbanov (RUS) in the finals. Bronze medalists at the Umakhanov were #20 Islambek Orozbekov (KGZ) and #16 Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (RUS). So Nasirkhaev gets #11 in the rankings for beating #16 Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (RUS) and #12 Akhmad Shakhbanov (RUS) after Shakhbanov had upset 2021 Yarygin champion #12 Aznaur Tavaev (RUS) to make the finals. Islambek Orozbekov (KGZ) makes the rankings at #18 for beating Tavaev 4-4.
79 KG
2021 74 KG Olympic runner-up #2 (74) Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR) made the move back up to 79 KG, where he went 1-1 competing at the Iranian Club Cup, beating 2021 world runner-up #6 Mohammad Nokhodilarimi (IRI) and losing to U-23 world bronze medalist #15 Ali Savadkouhi (IRI). Kadimagomedov slots in at the #2 slot in the rankings based off wins over #2 (74) Kyle Dake (USA), #3 (74) Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK), #4 (74) Frank Chamizo (ITA), #8 (74) Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS) and #5 (86) Magomed Ramazanov (RUS). Ali Savadkouhi (IRI) moves up six spots in the rankings to #9 behind U-23 world champion Magomed Magomaev, who beat him at the 2021 U-23 world championships.
#13 Atsamaz Sanakoev (RUS) skyrocketed himself into the top 5 by beating past Russian National champions #5 Akhmed Usmanov (RUS) and #10 Malik Shavaev (RUS) to make the finals of the Umakhanov tournament before beating 2020 Asian champion #14 Arsalan Budazhapov (KGZ) for gold. Sanakoev's title run at the Umakhanov puts him firmly in the #5 spot behind Russia's 2021 world bronze medalist #4 Radik Valiev (RUS).
Other important results from the Umakhanov saw #3 Gadzhi Nabiyev (RUS) move up to 86 KG, where he lost in his opening match to Ada Bagomedov (RUS) along with #5 Akhmed Usmanov (RUS) taking bronze over #10 Malik Shavaev (RUS) in a rematch of the 2021 Russian Nationals finals and 3x Russian Nationals medalist Kakhaber Khubezhty (RUS) take bronze over Iusup Aidaev (RUS). Khubezhty returns to the rankings at #14 Arsalan Budazhapov (KGZ), who beat him in the semifinals. The other important results were #10 Malik Shavaev (RUS), upsetting #7 Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) and Magomednabi Magomedov (RUS) upsetting #19 Azret Ulimbashev (RUS) in repechage.
Muhammet Akdeniz (TUR) captured gold at the Turkish national championships over Nuri Temur (TUR), with Abdulla Aslan (TUR) and Shamil Ozak (TUR) taking bronze. 2017 70 KG U-23 European champion Gadzhimurad Omarov (AZE) won the Azerbaijan national championships over 2011 74 KG world bronze medalist Ashraf Ashirov (AZE) with Soslan Tigiev (AZE) and Sabuhi Amiraslanov (AZE) taking bronze. Yudai Takahashi (JPN) won the Emperor's Cup over Kosuke Yamakura (JPN) with Takahiro Murayama (JPN) finishing with bronze. Vladimieri Gamkrelidze (GEO) won Georgian nationals over Evsem Shivelidze (GEO). Jasurbek Usmonokhunov (UZB) won Uzbekistan nationals.
86 KG
Khabil Khashpakov (RUS) and #16 Alan Zaseev (RUS) made a huge impact on the rankings after their standout performances at the Umakhanov tournament. Khashpakov upset 2021 Yarygin champion #8 Magomedsharif Biyakaev (RUS) to make the finals, while Zaseev beat 2021 Russian Nationals bronze medalist #6 Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) to make the finals. In their finals match, Khabil was able to use a clutch last-second takedown to take the victory over Zaseev. Khashpakov fills in the #6 spot in the rankings while #16 Alan Zaseev (RUS) moves up nine spots in the rankings to #7. Bronze medalists at the Umakhanov were Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) and #12 Magomedsharif Biyakaev (RUS). The other big mover from the Umakhanov was three-time Russian Nationals bronze medalist #19 Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS), who moves up nine spots to #10 for beating #7 Javrail Shapiev (UZB) in his opening round match. Shapiev falls four spots to #11 behind Musalaliev.
The Turkish national championships saw 2018 world runner-up Fatih Erdin (TUR) reclaim his spot at the top with a win over Batukhan Kish (TUR) in the finals. Most importantly, Erdin picked up an 8-5 win over Tokyo Olympian #12 Osman Gocen (TUR) in the semifinals to return to the rankings at #15. Taking bronze at the Turkish national championships was #16 Osman Gocen (TUR) and Sezay Arsalan (TUR).
Shota Shirai (JPN) won the Emperor's Cup over Taisei Matsuyuki (JPN), with Yajuro Yamasaki (JPN) taking bronze. Orkhan Abasov (AZE) won the Azerbaijan national championships over Muhammad Abdulkhalikov (AZE) with Kamran Tagiyev (AZE) and Gadzhimurad Magomedsaidov (AZE) finishing with bronze. 74 KG Tokyo bronze medalist Bekzod Abdurakhmanov (UZB) won Uzbekistan nationals up at 86 KG. Tarsan Maisuradze (GEO) won Georgian nationals over Bagrati Gagnidze (GEO).
2021 World and Olympic bronze medalist #3 Artur Naifonov (RUS) went 2-0 competing at the Iranian Club Cup, beating Hadi Vafaeipour (IRI) and Alireza Saberian (IRI).
92 KG
#20 Alan Bagaev (RUS) made a huge run through the Umakhanov tournament to catapult himself into the top 10. Bagaev's back-to-back last-second victories over #17 Soslan Ktsoev (RUS) and #7 Azamat Zakuev (RUS) let him move up thirteen spots in the rankings to #7. Finishing as runner-up at the Umakhanov was #8 Azamat Zakuev (RUS) while Ashkaab Sadulaev (RUS) and #20 Soslan Ktsoev (RUS) finished with bronze.
2019 97 KG Junior world bronze medalist Feyzullah Akturk (TUR) made his presence known at 92 KG with a Turkish national title over Ahmet Bilici (TUR). Akturk's #11 spot in his debut in the rankings comes off the strength of a semifinal win over #10 Erhan Yaylaci (TUR). Finishing with bronze at the Turkish national championships was #12 Erhan Yaylaci (TUR) and Samet Ozarslan (TUR).
Miriani Maisuradze (GEO) debuts in the rankings at #18 after beating 2019 world bronze medalist #16 Irakli Mtsituri (GEO) in the Georgian national finals. Sosuke Takatani (JPN) won the Emperor's Cup over Takuma Otsu (JPN), with Yuto Izudtsu (JPN) finishing with bronze. Abduljalil Shabanov (AZE) won the Azerbaijan national championships over Fuad Mailov (AZE) with Javad Galandarov (AZE) and Fazil Hasanov (AZE) taking bronze. 2019 Junior Asian Championships runner-up Ajiniyaz Saparniyazov (UZB) won Uzbekistan nationals.
97 KG
2021 Olympic and World runner-up #2 Kyle Snyder (USA) had a strong showing in his trip to Russia, winning gold at the Umakhanov over 2021 Junior European runner-up Ali Aliyev (RUS). Bronze medalists at the Umakhanov were Aslanbek Sotiev (RUS) and Ashkab Boltukaev (RUS). Changes from the Umakhanov were Aliyev debuting in the rankings at #17 for beating Ashkab Boltukaev (RUS) and Maxim Tolmachev (RUS) and two-time Russian Nationals runner-up Aslanbek Sotiev (RUS) returning to the rankings at #15 for beating #15 Shamil Musaev (RUS) for bronze.
#1 Abdulrashid Sadulaev (RUS) was dominant in a showcase match at the Alrosa Cup, beating 2019 world bronze medalist Magomedgadzhi Nurov (MKD) confidently. 2019 Russian Nationals champion #9 Vladislav Baitsaev transferred to Hungary. 2018 world bronze medalist #7 Elizbar Odikadze (GEO) won Georgian nationals over Givi Matcharashvili (GEO). 2019 125 KG world bronze medalist Khasanboy Rakhimov (UZB) won Uzbekistan nationals at 97 KG. Takashi Ishiguro (JPN) won the Emperor's Cup over Keivan Yoshida (JPN), with Shohei Yamasaki (JPN) taking bronze. 2021 Yarygin champion Magomedkhan Magomedov (RUS) took part in the Azerbaijan national championships due to them being an open competition and took gold over 2018 92 KG U-23 world champion Shamil Zubairov (AZE) with Zafar Aliyev (AZE) and Islam Ilyasov (AZE) finishing with bronze. Burak Shahin (TUR) won Turkish nationals over Mustafa Sessiz (TUR) with Oktay Ciftci (TUR) and Ibragim Bolukbasi (TUR) taking bronze.
125 KG
Tokyo Olympian #8 Sergey Kozyrev (RUS) won by pin over 2021 world bronze medalist Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (MGL) at the Alrosa Cup. #4 Zelimkhan Khizriev (RUS) won the Umakhanov tournament over Kazbek Khubulov (RUS). Bronze medalists were #11 Dzianis Khramiankov (BLR) and Tamerlan Kumyshev (RUS). One important chain of results was #11 Dzianis Khramiankov (BLR) beating 2020 Russian Nationals champion #14 Alan Khugaev (RUS) and then being beaten by #4 Zelimkhan Khizriev (RUS).
Georgian heavyweight Giorgi Meshvildishvili (GEO) won the Azerbaijan national championships over Rakhid Kamidli (AZE) with Javid Sadigov (AZE) and Aydin Akhmedov (AZE) finishing with bronze. Yunus Emre Dede (TUR) won the Turkish national championships over Salim Erkan (TUR) with Hamza Ozkaradeniz (TUR) and Younes Bandirma (TUR) taking bronze. Taiki Yamamoto (JPN) won the Emperor's Cup over Hiroto Ninomiya (JPN) with Kai Shutto (JPN) taking bronze. Solomon Manashvili (GEO) won Georgian nationals. Sardorbek Kholmatov (UZB) won Uzbekistan nationals.
Pound for Pound
The final top ten pound-for-pound in 2021 are Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS), Abdulrashid Sadulaev (RUS), Zavur Uguev (RUS), Takuto Otoguro (JPN), Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS), Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR), Kyle Dake (USA), Hassan Yazdani Charati (IRI), David Taylor (USA) and Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK).
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