There is truly only one right way to put Abdulrashid Sadulaev’s journey at the 2024 UWW World Championship. And that’s to simply call it ‘legendary’! The third day at the Worlds saw perhaps one of the most anticipated matches in wrestling history. Sadulaev went head-to-head with the Magic Man, aka David Taylor. Considering the best of three matches against Zahid Valencia, the fandom had its hopes set on Taylor. Unfortunately, the hope went down the drain when the time for the battle arrived!

The Magic Man was caught slacking. This gave Abdulrashid Sadulaev an advantage of a lifetime and a score of 7-0. However, the trials of the World Championships don’t end there. Following the anticipated match with Taylor came the semifinals. After witnessing the match Sadulaev had against Taylor,  the world naturally expected the semis to be smooth. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

Abdulrashid Sadulaev was caught slacking in the first half!

The countdown had begun for the semi-finals, and Abdulrashid Sadulaev was set to go against yet another champion. This time, he was going mano a mano against two-time World Champion Kamran Ghasempour. With the clock ticking, the world saw a not-so-great performance from Sadulaev initially. Ghasempour held a 3-1 lead, putting Sadulaev in a precarious position. That, too, just eight seconds after the restart! However, it is what comes next that once again reminded the world why Sadulaev, as Taylor says, is the “best.”

The match went on with both Sadulaev and Ghasempour putting their best foot forward. But soon after, with five seconds remaining on the clock, Sadulaev had a comeback. Sadulaev made a four-point move, which shot up his scores. The match ended with Sadulaev taking a 5-3 lead. That win also means that Sadulaev will be at the finals, and David Taylor has one last chance at redemption. So, what exactly does this mean for Taylor?

David Taylor’s final run for redemption!

David Taylor came back to the mat with renewed energy and purpose. But what was caught up in energy was lost in technique. Taylor, after beating NCAA champion Michael Macchiavello and All-Americans Trent Hidlay and Marcus Coleman, built up hope amongst the fandom. Only to have the hopes broken. After now that Sadulaev has moved to the finals, Taylor has one match to show the world he has some magic left in him. But there is another factor making this win rather quintessential for Taylor!

Let’s not forget that Taylor is the head coach of Oklahoma State University. While Coach Taylor has been a support system for the prodigies to come, the story as a participant has been a sad one. Taylor once said, “It’s definitely helping with exposure of our program and what we’re trying to build.” Well, the Magic Man might just have to rethink his words after the recent loss. Additionally, while these statements were made on the idea that Taylor was going to win. Now that he lost, the pressure is high!

On one hand, David Taylor cannot let down the people he is mentoring. The same ones who supported his decision to come out of retirement. On the other hand, if he loses, it would be perhaps the saddest way to hang up his singlet. Now, David Taylor’s journey at the UWW World Championships continues in the repechage round on October 31st. This is his second and, unfortunately, last chance to stand on the podium.

Tomorrow, the stage is set for Abdulrashid Sadulaev to take on the finals and for David Taylor’s last moment few moments of Magic.