Osman Nurmagomedov: “I know the way to defeat them”

September 12, 2025

Member of the Azerbaijan freestyle wrestling national team Osman Nurmagomedov (92 kg) gave an interview ahead of the World Championships:

– In August you held a training camp in Türkiye, while the final preparation stage took place in Baku. What can you say about this process?
– The training camp in Türkiye went well. Four to five teams participated in the preparation process. We focused more on mat practices and worked on our mistakes. In Baku, we emphasized test matches. We completed the camp without injuries. Everything is good, and the team is in good shape.

– How is the team’s spirit?
– The team spirit is high. We went through high-level training camps. Our wrestlers are fully focused on victory.

– Do you consider yourself fully ready for the competition?
– I feel good. Everything is in order.

– You have lost several times in the finals of World and European Championships. What is the reason for this “final syndrome”?
– In all of them, I was very close to victory. Probably what was missing in those matches was sporting luck.

– Who are the main rivals?
– There are many strong opponents in the 92 kg weight class. I have analyzed their strengths and weaknesses. I know the way to defeat them.

– What details are you working on to improve your individual skills?
– We paid attention to par terre training and leg work. We also focused on match endings. This helped me to build good form.

– Are you ready to end the 8-year gold medal drought in freestyle wrestling?
– First of all, I want to prove to myself that I can become a world champion. I will do everything I can to achieve it.

– Since 92 kg is a non-Olympic weight, which category do you plan to compete in at the next Olympic Games?
– If my health allows and no serious injuries occur, I plan to move up to 97 kg in the future.