In an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net, former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier shared his thoughts on the prospects of 2023 world champion Akhmed Tazhudinov becoming a champion in the Paris Olympics.
This guy has destroyed everyone. I saw a picture where Tazhudinov, as a child, is standing next to Sadulaev. I don't understand... Akhmed is very talented, a great wrestler. I hope he will take part in the Olympic Games. I think he deserves to fight for the title of Olympic champion. He is a young guy, he is 22 or 23 years old. He will become an Olympic champion.
Daniel Cormier exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
"The problem is that people will always think, "Well, you didn't have to get past Sadulaev to become a world champion." That's one of the main problems of the current situation. Unfortunately, we won't see Zaurbek Sidakov, Abdulrashid Sadulaev and Zavur Uguev fight at this Olympics. These guys have a huge impact on the sport," Cormier said.
Earlier, the IOC admitted only four Russian freestyle wrestlers. They were Nachyn Mongush, Shamil Mamedov, Arslan Bagaev and Abdulla Kurbanov. In 2023, Akhmed Tazhudinov won the World Championships, Asian Championships and Asian Games, representing Bahrain.