Who Can Stop Akhmed Tazhudinov?

Since 2023, Akhmed Tazhudinov has dominated the 97 kg weight class—winning Olympic gold, World Championship gold, the Asian Games, and Asian Championship titles. Now, after shoulder surgery and a comeback victory in Madrid, the young star heads to Budapest for the final UWW Ranking Series event before the 2025 World Championships.

Tazhudinov originally planned to return at the Asian Championships, but his coach made a last-minute decision to hold him out. Instead, he entered the Madrid Ranking Series, where he swept the field and claimed gold once again.

Now, Budapest marks his final tune-up before the Worlds—and notably, none of the top contenders at 97 kg have joined him there:
❌ Abdulrashid Sadulaev
❌ Amir Ali Azarpira
❌ Kyle Snyder
❌ Rizabek Aitmukhambetov
❌ Azerbaijan's top contender

While names like Batyrbek Tsakulov and Aleksandr Hushtyn will be present, few expect them to seriously threaten the reigning king of the weight class.

Yet not everyone is convinced Tazhudinov is unbeatable.

Iranian legend Alireza Heidari recently commented that he believes Azarpira can win the world title. "Tazhudinov is a good wrestler with clean technique," Heidari said, "but his body is weak. If you don’t wrestle passively and go after him, he’s not invincible."

What do you think?
Will Tazhudinov continue his dominance at 97 kg—or will a challenger rise in Paris?

🗓️ Ranking Series – Budapest, Hungary
📍 Final stop before the 2025 World Championships