Many people believe that Buvaisar Saitiev was the best freestyle wrestler of all time. He passed away at the age of 49.
Mikhail Mamiashvili, the head of the Russian Wrestling Federation, was the first to inform Russian news agency TASS of his death on Sunday. The first news stated that Saitiev died in Moscow.
There are currently no additional data available regarding the cause of death.
During his illustrious career, Saitiev won multiple titles, including three Olympic gold medals and six World Championships in freestyle wrestling. He is regarded as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in martial arts history.
Originally from Dagestan, Saitiev left his country to train in Siberia before making his global stage debut, where he instantly made an impression. His impressive run through the field, which included defeating American wrestling star Kenny Monday, earned him his first Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
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Although Saitiev didn’t lose much during his career, he was disqualified from the competition in 2000 after an unexpected loss to American Brandon Slay. After his defeat in the final match was overturned because his opponent tested positive for steroids, Slay went on to win gold while he was away.
Saitiev made a triumphant comeback for the 2004 Olympics, defeating his last two opponents with a combined score of 15-0 and outscoring his opponents 32-5.
In 2008, at his final Olympics, Saitiev once again dominated the field with an incredible performance.
Saitiev participated in the Olympics and the World Championships in wrestling eleven times over a thirteen-year period, winning nine gold medals and suffering just two defeats.
