97kg Wrestling Weight Class Set for Star-Studded 2026 World Championships

The 97kg freestyle wrestling weight class at the 2026 World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, is expected to be one of the most competitive in history, featuring four Olympic champions.

Defending world champion Kyle Snyder of the United States is seeking consecutive titles. He expressed a desire to face Iranian legend Hassan Yazdani, noting that the two spoke about a potential matchup a month ago. Yazdani, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion, has moved up to the 97kg category following his silver medal performance in the 86kg class at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Other major contenders include Abdulrashid Sadulaev, a two-time Olympic champion and six-time world champion, and Ahmed Tajuddinov of Bahrain, the 2023 World Champion and 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist. Japanese wrestler Arash Yoshida also remains a significant threat to the podium after winning bronze at the 2025 World Championships.