2015 UWW Senior World Championships

Huge Development For Russia's Freestyle Squad!

Huge Development For Russia's Freestyle Squad!

Sep 2, 2015 by Christian Pyles
Huge Development For Russia's Freestyle Squad!
There's been speculation for months on which heavyweight legend Russia would send to Worlds.  Would it be 6x World/Olympic Champion Khadzimurad Gatsalov or 3 time World Champion Bilal Makhov.

Gatsalov won a Makhov-less Russian Nationals this year in dominant fashion but didn't look in top form at Europeans.  Makhov has been competing in Greco Roman the last few years but he tested himself earlier this year and absolutely dominated an Aliyev field loaded with quality competitors including the 2012 Olympic Silver medalist who knocked Makhov off. 

The decision is in, and Russia has decided to roll the dice by sending Makhov to both Greco and then Freestyle. Makhov will wrestle Greco on Tuesday and Freestyle on Saturday, giving the Russian giant a few days to recover and make weight on Friday.  

Makhov's resurgence in the freestyle sense makes him an instant medal contender with the possibility of a title not beyond the realm of possibility.  In Greco, Bilyal looks to be the 2nd best guy behind Cuban legend Mijain Lopez.  In Freestyle, Taha Akgul is the reigning champion and favorite for the 125kg tittle.

The topic of Russia sending Makhov was discussed back in July on FRL with Willie and CP weighing the pro's and cons of sending Makhov. 

Watch Bilyal take out Olympic Silver Medalist David Modzmanashvili here: