The final day of the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series 2026 concluded with exciting Greco-Roman wrestling action in Tirana, Albania, as several world-class wrestlers battled for gold across six weight categories. United World Wrestling organized the event, which is part of the international ranking circuit.
In the 60kg category, European champion Nihat Mammadli of Azerbaijan secured the gold medal after edging compatriot Nihad Guluzade 1-1 on criteria in a tense final. Mammadli scored the first point and successfully defended two passivity situations in the second period, which ultimately helped him claim the title under the Greco-Roman rules.
The 97kg division saw world silver medallist Artur Sargsian deliver a dominant performance throughout the tournament. He earlier defeated Olympic bronze medallist Uzur Dzhuzupbekov 9-0 with a powerful takedown and multiple turns. Sargsian then edged Amirreza Moradiyan 3-2 in the semifinals before ultimately claiming the gold when world bronze medallist Kiryl Maskevich was forced to withdraw from the final due to injury.
Earlier in the competition, Maskevich reached the final after defeating Giorgi Melia 7-1, while Sargsian had advanced with several commanding victories.
In the 82kg semifinals, Amin Hosseini of Iran dominated Kamal Bey of the United States 7-0, while Adlet Tiuliubaev defeated Tunjay Vazirzade 6-1 to set up the gold-medal clash.
The tournament also witnessed the return of Olympic bronze medallist Akzhol Makhmudov, though he suffered a surprise 5-2 defeat against Vazirzade in the 82kg competition. Meanwhile, former world champion Vakhtang Lolua, competing in the 60kg category, lost a thrilling bout 8-7 to Yerbol Kamaliyev after a dramatic comeback attempt in the second period.
With high-quality contests and several Olympic-level wrestlers in action, the Greco-Roman finale of the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series delivered thrilling moments and set the stage for the upcoming international wrestling season.
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