Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov surprises for UAE with second gold

Surprise! Former Russian fighter Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov is now fighting for UAE and with the same skills. On Saturday he was able to capture the gold medal for his new home country. After the great performance of Khorloodoi Bishrelt (UAE), winner in the -52 kg category on the first day of competition at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2024, it was the turn Makhmadbekov (UAE).

Seeded number one, 9th in the world and o-soto-gari specialist, Makhmadbekov faced Abubakr Sherov (TJK) in the final for men U73kg. It was a tough match, during which none of the judoka wanted to give up. There was power, commitment, tactics, but above all, search to throw.

Along the way Sherov was penalised twice and in the golden score, Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov produced his effort. It started with an o-uchi-gari to get closer and was followed by a huge pickup technique, close to an o-sturi-goshi. It was massive, it was beautiful, and it ended in an ippon that offered the second victory for the host country and for Makhmadbekov.

Rashid Mammadaliyev (AZE) and Tatsuki Ishihara (JPN) faced each other for the first bronze medal for a tactical win of Tatsuki Ishihara after Mammadaliyev was penalised a third time during normal time. Bronze medal for Ishihara and Japan.

Danil Lavrentev (IJF) and Karen Galstian (IJF) were opposed in the second contest for the bronze medal. From the first seconds we could feel that Lavrentev was preparing something. After several failed attempts, he managed to take control and combine a hip movement while looking for the ko-uchi-gari at the same time. From outside, it was clearly visible, but Karen Galstian couldn't avoid being thrown for ippon. Bronze medal for Danil Lavrentev.

Throughout the day, the public in the venue and the viewers present in front of their computer screens or their television were able to attend a very high-level show. We had on the tatami world champions and world medalists, as well as participants from the last Olympic Games. We also had all those who see in the start of a new cycle, a great opportunity to win valuable points and places on the ranking list.

After two days of competition, we find on top of the medal table the host country with two gold medals. Today it was the turn of Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov to win the title following the footsteps of his teammate, Khorloodoi Bishrelt, who won on day one.