2020 74 kg Olympic gold medal bout (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com)The Wolnik wrestling league has been one of Russia's best-kept secrets this year, hosting high-level matches that showcase the best of Russian domestic and international talent. Their 7th event will be their biggest one to date, as the card will feature matches in Grappling, Women's wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling and Men's Freestyle wrestling. This article will cover the three marquee matchups in men's freestyle that a rematch of the 74 KG Olympic finals from Tokyo between #1 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS) and #2 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR), Seven-time World/Olympic champion #1 Abdulrashid Sadulaev (RUS) take on 2019 world bronze medalist Magomedgadzhi Nurov (MKD) at 97 KG and finally heavyweight at 125 KG #8 Sergey Kozyrev (RUS) will take on world bronze medalist Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (MGL).
74 KG- #1 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS) vs. #2 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR).
One of the most highly anticipated matches of the event will be a rematch of the 74 KG Olympic finals in Tokyo between #1 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS) and #2 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR). Both men have an extensive history with each other dating back to 2017 when Sidakov won their first match at the 70 KG Yarygin that would be avenged by Kadimagomedov in a controversial quarterfinals match later that year at Russian Nationals where he'd go on to take gold and Sidakov would finish fifth. Four years went by until their next match, with both men in peak form in Tokyo, but Sidakov coming off the better in a 7-0 decision over the dangerous Belarusian.
Sidakov sits atop the #1 spot in the pound for pound and 74 KG rankings for good reason, as the North Ossetian is coming off three straight World/Olympic titles. Sidakov's head outside shots, defense, inside control throwby and ability to come up clutch in big matches are his defining characteristics that have carried him to gold. One weakness that Sidakov does have is that he can start matches slowly and if Kadimagomedov can take advantage of this and get out to and maintain an early lead, he could even the series against Sidakov.
Kadimagomedov transformed into one of the most electrifying wrestlers to watch this past quad as he's put together amazing wins over #1 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS), #3 Kyle Dake (USA), #4 Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK), #5 Frank Chamizo (ITA), #9 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS) and #18 Khetag Tsabolov (SRB). Kadimagomedov has absolutely unreal timing for explosive counters, with a rib-cracking chest wrap being his go-to. Kadimagomedov's ability to score off scrambles along with using a fantastic overhook shuck to counter opponents' pressure has rightfully earned him the distinction as one of the most dangerous men in the world at 74 KG. With such familiarity between Kadimagomedov and Sidakov, expect to see a slower-paced match that leans more towards Sidakov neutralizing the scrambles of Kadimagomedov.
97 KG- #1 Abdulrashid Sadulaev (RUS) vs. Magomedgadzhi Nurov (NMK)
#1 Abdulrashid Sadulaev (RUS) has put himself into rarefied air after winning his sixth and seventh World/Olympic titles this year and will see a familiar foe in 2019 world bronze medalist Magomedgadzhi Nurov (NMK). Nurov is coming off a successful showing at the Wolnik 6 event, tech falling Yarygin champion Magomedkhan Magomedov (RUS) in what was one of the most impressive showings of his career. The North Macedonian standout is an upper-body threat throughout the match and in his 2 matches against Sadulaev from the 2019 world championships and 2020 European championships, he was able to put the seven-time World/Olympic champion in danger off throws twice. But as was the case in their two previous meetings, I expect to see Sadulaev overcome an early Nurov scare to dominate to end the year.
125 KG- #8 Sergey Kozyrev (RUS) vs. #10 Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (MGL)
Coming into this match, both men are coming off of big wins. Kozyrev over 2019 Russian Nationals runner-up Said Gamidov (RUS) at the Wolnik 6 event and Munkhtur coming off a world bronze medal over Asian champion Oleg Boltin (KAZ). Both men are highly athletic heavyweights, but Kozyrev has the deeper technical acumen of the two and I expect to see him slow down Munkhtur and win a close 3-2, 5-4 margin match as he continues to build himself back up as Russia's next heavyweight medal threat.
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