On July 21, in Budapest (Hungary), a freestyle wrestling dual meet between the national teams of Russia and the United States took place as part of the Professional Wrestling League (PWL 9).
A release of this historic confrontation.
Idea
During negotiations between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, the topic of strengthening the relations between Russia and the USA, including the field of sports, was discussed. Wrestlers from both nations have long been friends off the mat and fierce rivals on it, and team matches between the two countries have a rich history. Earlier this spring an organizing committee was formed to promote this international team match under the slogan “Wrestling for peace.”
“As seen at many World Championships and Olympic Games in recent decades, the most anticipated matches are often between Russian and American wrestlers. In Tokyo, even the basketball final was moved to show the Sadulaev vs. Snyder bout in prime time. This team match, held under the slogan “Wrestling for peace”, is expected to attract massive attention from wrestling fans across the globe. I would like to emphasize that on the wrestling mat, we and the Americans have always understood each other. In fact, in 2013 we stood side by side to preserve wrestling in the Olympic program and succeeded. I am convinced that regardless of the outcome in Budapest, it will be a major victory for our sport,” said Mikhail Mamiashvili, President of the Russian Wrestling Federation and Olympic champion.
Series of matches and venue selection
The Budapest team match marks the first in a planned series of matches between Russian and American wrestlers. Hungary was selected as a neutral venue due to its logistical convenience for both sides. Two more matches are scheduled in the future – one in Russia and one in the USA.
History of rivalry
Wrestling team matches between the two countries began in the mid-20th century. The first competition between Soviet and American wrestlers took place in April 1958 in Oklahoma, within the framework of the Lacy – Zarubin cultural and sports exchange agreement. It featured legendary wrestlers such as Olympic champion Mirian Tsalkalamanidze, Olympic medalist Vakhtang Balavadze, and world champions Dick Delgado, Terry McCann, and others. Over nearly 70 years, dozens of such matches have taken place, with Soviet and Russian wrestlers generally achieving more victories.
Messages from the captains
Two of the top figures in global freestyle wrestling – Russia’s two-time Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev and USA’s Olympic champion Kyle Snyder – will not be competing in Budapest but are likely to face each other at the upcoming World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, this September. Both expressed strong interest in the upcoming event.
“Such dual meets always generate huge interest. The first event will feature young wrestlers, but in the next one, which will take place after the World Championships, we’ll definitely compete with our strongest lineups,” emphasized Abdulrashid Sadulaev.
“The meet will be held as part of the Professional Wrestling League (PWL). I competed in this league back in February in Kazakhstan — it’s the best organization that hosts top-level matchups. I’m confident everything will be done at the highest level,” said Kyle Snyder.
Participants
At the start of the Olympic cycle, new stars begin to emerge. The athletes competing in this match represent some of the top young talent from both nations – they are future leaders expected to be central figures at the 2028 Olympic Games. Team Russia will be led by World Champion Abasgadzhi Magomedov, while Team USA will be led by U20 World Champion Luke Lilledahl.
July 21, Budapest, Hungary.
Freestyle Wrestling. PWL 9.
Russia vs USA Team Match.
57 kg. Musa Mekhtikhanov (Russia) vs. Luke Lilledahl (USA)
61 kg. Muslim Mekhtikhanov (Russia) vs. Seth Gross (USA)
65 kg. Abasgadzhi Magomedov (Russia) vs. CJ Composto (USA)
70 kg. Saiyn Kazyryk (Russia) vs. Bryce Andonian (USA)
74 kg. Magoma Dibirgadzhiev (Russia) vs. Joseph Blaze (USA)
79 kg. Mokhmad Nasirkhaev (Russia) vs. DJ Hamiti (USA)
86 kg. Amanula Rasulov (Russia) vs. Marcus Coleman (USA)
92 kg. Amanula Gadzhimagomedov (Russia) vs. Mike Macchiavello (USA)
97 kg. Konstantin Pshenichnikov (Russia) vs. Jay Aiello (USA)
125 kg. Zelimkhan Khizriev (Russia) vs. Trent Hilger (USA)
Where to watch
The event “PWL 9. Russia vs USA Freestyle Wrestling Team Match” will be broadcast live on the international streaming platforms WRESTLINGTV.RU / SPORTRUSSIA.TV on July 21 at 8 p.m. Moscow time.
Laying flowers
A day before the dual meet, Russian wrestlers laid flowers at the Monument to the Heroes-Liberators in Budapest. The Battle of Budapest during the Great Patriotic War lasted 108 days and is considered one of the most difficult for the Red Army. The victory in Budapest drastically changed the course of events and brought humanity closer to peace.
Notably, near Budapest, close to the city of Torgau on the Elbe River, Soviet and American armies met in April 1945. Despite the fact that Hitler was still alive and the fighting continued, it became clear that victory was near.
“First of all, I was pleasantly surprised that Hungary did not demolish the monuments to Soviet soldiers, as it was done in some other Eastern European countries. These were the people who liberated lands that were foreign to them but occupied by the Nazis. It was very important for us to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers,” said Russian wrestler Zelimkhan Khizriev.
Conference
On the eve of the dual meet, after the weigh-in, a conference was held. The wrestlers were introduced along with their achievements, and participants engaged in open discussion. Speeches were given by the heads of the Russian and U.S. federations — Mikhail Mamiashvili and Rich Bender — as well as team captains, World Champion Abasgadzhi Magomedov and U-20 World Champion Luke Lilledahl. Coaches and other athletes also took part. The Russian coaching staff included wrestlers who had previously won World Championships in Budapest — Vladimir Modosyan (1986) and Magomed Kurbanaliev (2016). The meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere, emphasizing that wrestling duals between the two nations are a long-standing tradition, and that Russia and the USA have been allies in wrestling — the very partnership that helped save the sport’s place in the Olympic Games back in 2013.
Victory for Team Russia
The intrigue of the dual meet lasted until the very end, even though Russia started strong with five convincing victories. The Americans then responded with four straight wins, bringing the score to 5–4 before the heavyweight bout, which would decide the outcome. The American wrestler was the favorite, and if he had won, a blind draw would have determined one rematch. However, Zelimkhan Khizriev entered the mat fully determined and left his opponent no chance — 11:0. The final score was 6:4 in favor of Team Russia.
July 21st. Budapest, Hungary.
PWL 9. Freestyle. Wrestling for peace.
Russia — USA 6:4
Up to 57 kg. Musa Mehdikhanov (Russia)– Luc Lilledahl (USA) 8:5 [Russia 1:0 USA]
Up to 61 kg. Muslim Mehdikhanov (Russia)– Dilen Koontz (USA) 10:0 [Russia 2:0 USA]
Up to 65 kg. Abasgadzhi Magomedov (Russia)– Cj Composito (USA) 13:2 [Russia 3:0 USA]
Up to 70 kg. Sayin Kazyryk (Russia)– Bruce Andonian (USA) 13:0 [Russia 4:0 USA]
Up to 74 kg. Magoma Dibirgadzhiev (Russia)– Joseph Blaze (USA) 8:4 [Russia 5:0 USA]
Up to 79 kg. Mokhmad Nasirkhaev (Russia) – DJ Hamiti (USA) 8:12 touch -/+ [Russia 5:1 USA]
Up to 86 kg.Amanula Rasulov (Russia) – Marcus Coleman (USA) 7:8 [Russia 5:2 USA]
Up to 92 kg. Amanula Gadzhimagomedov (Russia) – Mike Macchiavello (USA)6:10 [Russia 5:3 USA]
Up to 97 kg. Konstantin Pshenichnikov (Russia) – Jay Aiello (USA)1:8 [Russia 5:4 USA]
Up to 125 kg. Zelimkhan Khizriev (Russia) – Trent Hilger (USA) 11:0 [Russia 6:4 USA]
Results
WRESTRUS.RU presents the closing remarks from the heads of the two federations — Executive Director of USA Wrestling Rich Bender and President of the Russian Wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili.
“For the U.S. freestyle wrestling team, it is a great honor to participate in an event of such scale. The rivalry between Russia and the USA has always attracted huge spectator interest — especially now, when wrestling is at the peak of its popularity in America. I want to remind everyone that our wrestlers and the Russian team have held dual meets before — even when wrestling was on the verge of being excluded from the Olympic program. In 2013, we joined forces, organized a series of remarkable duals across several U.S. states, did tremendous work, and ultimately succeeded in securing wrestling’s place in the Olympic Games. On the mat in Budapest, our wrestlers showed real character. Yes, these were not the leaders of Team USA, but every one of them fought to the end and refused to give up. I want to thank Team Russia — the whole world knows these athletes, and it is a great honor for us to make history together. Today, we set an example of true friendship. We will definitely continue participating in tournaments under the auspices of the Professional Wrestling League,” said Executive Director of USA Wrestling Rich Bender.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to the Professional Wrestling League (PWL), as well as to Hungary and Budapest, for their willingness to host this dual meet between two of the strongest wrestling teams in the world — Russia and the USA. Many thanks to the American wrestlers and personally to Rich Bender for making this historic event possible today. The entire world has truly missed such battles, such a headline — Russia vs USA in wrestling. And regardless of who won on the mat — today, friendship won, sport won, wrestling won! I am convinced that we have revived the tradition of our great rivalries, and such dual meets will now be held regularly. Taking this opportunity, I would like to invite Team USA to Russia! Thank you all very much!” said President of the Russian Wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili.
The continuation of the rivalry is expected this fall, with the date and venue to be announced later.
