Life comes with quite unpredictable challenges. While in most cases it is advised one should fight bravely to overcome the same, sometimes, there are just not enough choices. Take Buvaisar Saitiev for example. As he was one of the biggest stars back in his days, the news of his passing away came as a shock to the entire wrestling fraternity. 

In an Instagram post by unitedworldwrestling, the news of Saitiev’s sad demise was shared. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of one of the greatest our sport has ever seen, three-time Olympic gold medalist, Buvaisar SAITIEV May Buvaisar rest in peace,” read the caption. However, what was even more shocking was the fact that the legendary wrestler was just 49 years old at the time he left his earthly abode. 

Saitiev was just 9 days away from celebrating his 50th birthday. Looking back at his incredible career, Saitiev had clinched the Olympic medals three times during his reign of dominance. He was also a six-time world and European champion, cementing his legacy in the wrestling realm. 

Known for his phenomenal wrestling skills, Saitiev was born in Dagestan, Russia. However, in order to take things up by a notch, Saitiev moved to Krasnoyarsk in Siberia. Training under the legendary coach Dmitri Mindiashvili, Saitiev never had to face any significant defeats. Naturally, with the sudden passing of such a legendary figure, top-notch wrestlers were quick to pay their respects. NCAA prodigy Bo Bassett was the first among many to pay his respects to the wrestling legend. 

Sharing a picture on his Instagram story, the young wrestling phenom wrote, “legend.” Surely, Bassett would like to draw his inspiration from the demised legend. After all, Bassett would be more than happy to try and achieve all the incredible accolades that Saitiev got during his lifetime. However, not only Bo Bassett, there were more modern-day wrestling stalwarts paying their tributes. 

One of the modern-day greats of UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov also took to his social media to reflect on his feelings about the deceased legend. Nurmagomedov wrote, “May Allah forgive you Brother 🤲 You inspired millions of children around the world and we will miss you. I express my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones, patience to you 🤲” Not only Khabib, Khamzat Chimaev, and Islam Makhachev too, posted a picture of the wrestler on their social media. 

Meanwhile, speaking of Bo Bassett drawing inspiration, he has been phenomenal this season. And while he is expected to make ripples in the NCAA, Bassett has received a major honor recently.

Bo Bassett honored by Johnstown City Council after stellar season

Bo Bassett’s wrestling dominance has made headlines time and again, but this time, the spotlight was on something even bigger—his impact beyond the mat. At the Johnstown City Council meeting on Wednesday night, Bassett was recognized with a special proclamation for his achievements, both as an elite wrestler and as a role model for his community. The honor came alongside fellow local standout Donte Tisinger, a basketball star from Greater Johnstown.

“We honored two local athletes that have not only been great athletes but also role models for our community,” the council stated during the ceremony, as reported by wjactv.com. The mayor further emphasized Bassett’s influence, saying, “Bo Bassett, who has not only been a local wrestling star but also national and international as well.” His relentless pursuit of excellence and leadership within the sport made him a clear choice for the distinction.

Despite a heartbreaking team loss in the PIAA state wrestling finals, Bassett’s individual brilliance was undeniable. His commanding 17-9 victory over Max Stein in the 152 lbs AA finals was a testament to his skill and determination. This season alone, he marked his 100th straight high school win, secured dominant victories at Powerade and Super 32, and played a pivotal role in ending Wyoming Seminary’s record-breaking run. His success, however, extends far beyond his accolades—it’s about the legacy he’s building.

While the championship title may have eluded him this time, Bassett’s name continues to resonate at the highest levels of the sport. With this latest honor from the city, it’s clear his influence reaches far beyond the wrestling mat.