1. Overview
Makhach Murtazaliev (Махач Далгатович МуртазалиевMakhach Dalgatovich MurtazalievRussian; born June 4, 1984) is a former Russian Olympic wrestler who competed primarily in freestyle wrestling. Hailing from Dagestan, Murtazaliev achieved significant success throughout his career, including winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. He is also a two-time World Champion and a four-time European Champion, establishing himself as a dominant figure in the 66 kg and 74 kg weight categories during the mid-2000s. His consistent performance at both junior and senior levels underscores his impact on international wrestling.
2. Early life and background
Makhach Murtazaliev was born on June 4, 1984, in Kedy, a village located in Dagestan, Russia. He was raised in this region, which is renowned for producing many successful wrestlers. Murtazaliev stands at 68 in (172 cm) tall.
3. Wrestling career
Makhach Murtazaliev's wrestling career was marked by consistent high-level performance from his junior years through his senior professional competitions, accumulating numerous gold medals at both national and international tournaments across various weight classes.
3.1. Junior and Cadet career
Murtazaliev's international career began with significant success at the cadet and junior levels. He earned his first major international gold medal at the 2000 European Cadet Wrestling Championships in Bratislava, competing in the 42 kg category. The following year, in 2001, he secured another gold medal at the Cadet European Championships in İzmir, this time in the 54 kg weight class. He continued his dominance into his junior years, winning a gold medal at the 2003 Junior World Wrestling Championships in Istanbul in the 60 kg category.
3.2. Senior career highlights
Murtazaliev transitioned to senior-level competition and quickly established himself as a formidable force. After competing in the 66 kg category for several years, he moved up to the 74 kg weight class in 2006. This transition proved successful, as he continued to win major titles, including a World Championship and multiple European Championships in his new division. His adaptability and consistent performance made him a prominent figure in international freestyle wrestling throughout the mid-2000s.
3.3. Olympic Games
Murtazaliev made his Olympic debut at the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens, Greece. Competing in the men's freestyle 66 kg event, he showcased strong performances against top international competitors. He ultimately secured the bronze medal for Russia, marking a significant achievement early in his senior career.
3.4. World Championships
Murtazaliev achieved considerable success at the FILA Wrestling World Championships. He became a two-time World Champion, first winning the gold medal at the 2005 World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where he competed in the 66 kg weight class. Two years later, after moving to a higher weight class, he won his second gold medal at the 2007 World Wrestling Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, in the 74 kg category.
3.5. European Championships
Murtazaliev was particularly successful at the European Wrestling Championships, where he secured four gold medals. His first European title came in 2004 in Ankara, Turkey, in the 66 kg division. He successfully defended this title in 2006 in Moscow, Russia, still competing at 66 kg. Following his transition to 74 kg, he continued his winning streak, clinching gold medals at the 2007 European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, and the 2008 European Championships in Tampere, Finland.
3.6. National Championships and other competitions
Domestically, Murtazaliev was a multiple-time champion at the Russian National Championships. He won gold medals in 2004 (St. Petersburg), 2005 (Krasnodar), and 2006 (Nizhnevartovsk), all in the 66 kg category. After his move to 74 kg, he continued his winning ways, securing a gold medal at the 2007 Russian National Championships in Moscow. In 2008, he earned a silver medal at the National Championships, held in St. Petersburg, competing in the 74 kg division. Additionally, Murtazaliev achieved success in other notable international tournaments, including winning a gold medal at the Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin in 2009 in Krasnoyarsk, where he competed in the 74 kg weight class.
4. Legacy and evaluation
Makhach Murtazaliev is regarded as one of the most successful Russian freestyle wrestlers of his generation. His impressive collection of medals, including an Olympic bronze, two World Championship golds, and four European Championship golds, demonstrates his exceptional skill, consistency, and longevity in a highly competitive sport. His ability to adapt to a new weight class and continue winning at the highest level further solidifies his legacy. Murtazaliev's achievements have left a significant mark on the wrestling world, inspiring future generations of athletes.