The buzz is definitely building for the 2024 Senior World Championships in Tirana, Albania, which are just around the corner! The Men’s Freestyle competition is set for Wednesday, October 30. Oklahoma State wrestling head coach David Taylor is gearing up to compete in the 92 kg weight class, the heaviest category he’s ever wrestled in. He’ll be going head-to-head with Abdulrashid Sadulaev from Russia, who’s one of the most accomplished wrestlers out there and the reigning champion at this weight. It’s going to be an epic showdown, but who’s got the better shot at winning?

Taylor boasts an impressive senior freestyle record of 158 wins to just 21 losses, including an incredible run of 76 victories in his last 79 matches. Among those wins are 34 technical falls and 15 pins, showcasing his offensive prowess. He secured his place on the 2024 United States World Team with a dominant performance at the Trials in September, sweeping 2023 World bronze medalist Zahid Valencia in the best-of-three Championship Series. With a 57-match winning streak that spanned from December 2017 to October 2021, Taylor’s competitive edge is undeniable.

As for Sadulaev, he is equally impressive, holding five world titles, two Olympic gold medals, and a world silver medal to his name. He’s only lost three times in his ten-year international career. But David Taylor has a significant advantage going into this match.

Considering that Sadulaev’s wrestle-off for team selection took place at +3 kg (about 6.6 lbs), he has not competed at scratch 92 kg since 2018, which could impact his performance against Taylor, who has been training intensively with wrestlers of various sizes. As Taylor steps onto the mat, the contrasting styles of these two elite competitors will be on full display, making for an intriguing competition. But what motivated him to return to wrestling after contemplating retirement?

David Taylor’s ultimate chance to leave a lasting legacy

David Taylor, known as the “Magic Man,” has achieved incredible success in wrestling, but he still feels like there’s unfinished business to tackle. After a surprising exit at the U.S. Olympic Trials, where he didn’t perform as expected, Taylor stepped into a coaching role at Oklahoma State University. This left many fans wondering if they’d seen the last of him on the mat. But during that time away, he reignited his passion for wrestling and got back into the groove.

Now, as he gears up for the world championships, he sees this as his final opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. He shared his thoughts, saying, “Knowing that this is it for me and knowing that this is the last time I will wrestle, I want to compete on a level that I’m happy with.” This match is not just another competition for him; it’s a chance to prove himself one last time and potentially defeat another wrestling legend.