Dake Seeks Revenge Against Dzhioev as Zare Returns to the World Final
2026 World Wrestling Championships | Astana, Kazakhstan | October 30, 2026
The finalists in the second group of men's freestyle weight classes have been determined at the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, setting the stage for four compelling gold-medal matches at 61kg, 70kg, 86kg, and 125kg on October 31. While established champions are looking to defend their positions at the top of international wrestling, other contenders have reached the final with an opportunity to make a significant breakthrough in their careers. From a rematch of last year's world final to Kyle Dake's pursuit of another title in a higher weight class, each matchup carries its own history, rivalry, and expectations.
61kg | Zavur Uguev (RUS) vs. Ahmad Mohammadnezhadjavan (IRI)
A familiar rivalry returns to the world stage as defending champion Zavur Uguev and Iran's Ahmad Mohammadnezhadjavan prepare for a rematch of the 2025 World Championships final. Uguev, the Tokyo Olympic champion, secured his place in another world final by defeating Albania's Zelimkhan Abakarov, while Mohammadnezhadjavan advanced past Kazakhstan's Assyl Aitakyn. Their meeting offers the Iranian another opportunity to challenge one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the division after finishing with silver in their previous encounter. For Uguev, the final represents another test of his ability to maintain his dominance against a familiar opponent who has continued to establish himself among the world's leading wrestlers at 61kg.
70kg | Ibragim Ibragimov (RUS) vs. Ernazar Akmataliev (KGZ)
The 70kg final will feature Russia's Ibragim Ibragimov and Kyrgyzstan's Ernazar Akmataliev, who both survived closely contested semifinals to reach the gold-medal match. Ibragimov secured a narrow 3–2 victory over Mongolia's Tulga Tumur Ochir, while Akmataliev defeated American Zain Retherford by the same score. Akmataliev, a former world silver medalist, arrives with valuable experience on the international stage and another opportunity to pursue the title that has remained beyond his reach. Ibragimov, meanwhile, has the chance to establish himself as a senior world champion against an experienced opponent. Their meeting brings together two wrestlers at different stages of their international careers, both seeking a defining victory.
86kg | Arsenii Dzhioev (AZE) vs. Kyle Dake (USA)
One of the most intriguing finals awaits at 86kg, where four-time world champion Kyle Dake will face Azerbaijan's Arsenii Dzhioev in a rematch carrying unfinished business from their previous encounter. Dake, whose career has already been defined by success across multiple weight categories, defeated European champion Ibragim Kadiev 6–3 in the semifinals, avenging an earlier loss this year. Dzhioev was equally impressive, securing a commanding 9–1 victory over Georgia's Vladimeri Gamkrelidze to reach the final. The Azerbaijani previously defeated Dake at the Tirana Ranking Series, making their world title encounter particularly compelling. For Dake, victory would reinforce his remarkable ability to adapt and compete at the highest level in a new weight class, while Dzhioev has an opportunity to prove that his earlier success against the American was no exception.
125kg | Amir Hossein Zare (IRI) vs. Abdulla Kurbanov (RUS)
Iran's Amir Hossein Zare will return to the world final at 125kg, where he faces Russia's 24-year-old Abdulla Kurbanov in a contest between an established heavyweight champion and a challenger seeking his first senior world title. Zare, a three-time world champion, continued his impressive campaign with a dominant 10–0 semifinal victory over American Wyatt Hendrickson, reaffirming his position among the leading heavyweights in international wrestling. Kurbanov secured his place in the final by defeating Azerbaijan's Giorgi Meshvildishvili 5–0, overcoming a returning world silver medalist to earn his opportunity against the Iranian. The matchup presents a significant test for Kurbanov, while Zare will look to add another gold medal to an already distinguished career and strengthen his standing at the top of the division.
Photo Credit: All photos featured in this article are by Tony Rotundo / Wrestlers Are Warriors (WAW).