Hassan Yazdani’s Comeback: Between 92 kg and 97 kg

After undergoing a second shoulder surgery following the Paris 2024 Olympics, Iranian wrestling legend Hassan Yazdani is preparing for a long-awaited comeback — but the big question remains: in which weight class will he compete?

Unlike after his first surgery, when early training footage quickly surfaced online, Yazdani’s post-operation recovery has been kept relatively quiet this time. Reports indicate, however, that he plans to wrestle in Iran’s domestic league, possibly joining in the final rounds to regain competition rhythm. His team may also schedule an easier preliminary match to test his shoulder before the playoff stages.

Yazdani underwent his first shoulder surgery in Iran, but this latest operation took place in France, where specialists reportedly performed a successful procedure. Immediately after his Olympic loss to Magomed Ramazanov, Yazdani vowed to heal and return stronger — a promise he now seems ready to keep.

A New Chapter — But Not at 86 kg

It is now certain that the two-time world and Olympic champion will not return to 86 kg, the weight where he dominated for nearly a decade. Even if the second surgery had not been required, Yazdani’s physical evolution suggested a natural move upward.

Analysts believe he will choose between 92 kg and 97 kg, depending on his conditioning and the upcoming competition calendar. While 97 kg may fit his current physique, competing at 92 kg in the remaining two World Championships before the 2028 Olympics could offer a smoother transition.

The Challenge Ahead

The 97 kg category is currently one of the deepest in international freestyle wrestling.

It features Olympic silver and world bronze medalist Amirali Azarpira, Akhmed Tazhudinov of Bahrain (the 2023 world champion), Kyle Snyder of the USA (2025 world gold), Abdulrashid Sadulaev of Russia, and other rising names such as Japan’s Arashi Yoshida and Kazakhstan’s Rizabek Aitmukhan.

Moving into this weight means Yazdani will have to adjust to stronger, heavier opponents — a serious test for his trademark explosiveness and short-distance attacks.

Nevertheless, his camp believes a carefully managed comeback could see him return at 92 kg, regain timing and mat shape, and then gradually build toward a full transition to 97 kg before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.