BAHRAIN’S beast Pasha Kharkhachaev retained his Super Heavyweight crown after a grueling encounter on home turf.
The undefeated 23-year-old claimed gold again via unanimous decision over Kazakhstan’s Rassul Khatayev at the Khalifa Sports Stadium on Saturday.
But receiving the nod from all three judges, he was pushed all the way by his opponent, who rocked the humongous IMMAF-WMMA World Champion on several occasions.
However, we could see the two men battling it out again in 12 months as Kharkhachaev immediately set his sights on a third gold medal.
He said: “It means a lot for me and I’m aiming to be the first three-time world champion next year.”
The big man was on the receiving end of some heavy shots from Khatayev, catching him numerous times on the chin.
But the man famed for his first round finishes was able to last the distance, showing all the spirit and heart needed to take gold.
Although his corner were twice guilty of dubious tactics between rounds, firstly forgetting his gum shield and secondly delaying leaving the cage to allow their fighter some vital extra seconds to regain his breath.
And after his victory was confirmed, Kharkhachaev said: “To be honest, I’m not in 100 per cent shape.
“And that’s why at this championship I didn’t finish like I usually do in round one.
“But as you have seen, I have shown I can take punches and go three rounds if I need to.”
Here’s how the action unfolded in the Men’s Finals of the IMMAF-WMMA World Championships, and you can click here to find out the results of the Women’s matches.
Male Strawweight
Bagdat Zhubanysh (Kazakhstan) vs Sagyn Kazbek (Kazakhstan)
The men’s action got underway with an all-Kazakh clash for the Strawweight crown.
And it was Zhubanysh who retained his title from last year to get the decision from the judges.
Male Flyweight
Israel Galvan (USA) vs Ata Atdayev (Ukraine)
Fishing-mad Galvan, only 19, was furious after he controversially lost out on gold to the Atdayev.
All three judges voted in favour of the Ukrainian despite the American appearing to be in control and attacking more throughout.
Male Bantamweight
Gadzhimurad Zavaev (Russia) vs Djamaludin Aliev (Russia) – FORFEITED
Russian Zavaev was declared the winner as his fellow countryman Aliev forfeited the fight.
Male Featherweight
Ahmed Gazimagomedov (Russia) vs Elaman Shalkimbekov (Kazakhstan)
Russian Gazimagomedov earned the win despite suffering a cut early in the first round via unanimous decision after fantastic wrestling performance.
He said: “My background is wrestling, and because of the cut I had to use that more.
“This is the best feeling of my life and I’d like to thank all of my coaches and team.”
Male Lightweight
Omaraskhab Yusupov (Russia) vs Murad Umachiev (Russia)
The battle for Lightweight gold was an all-Russian affair as Yusupov and Umachiev went to war.
Umachiev was on the attack for the majority, rocking Yusupov with a left hand in the first, and he won via unanimous decision following three rounds.
Male Welterweight
Zagid Gaidarov (Bahrain) vs Ramazan Gitinov (Bahrain) – FORFEITED
Gitinov awarded the gold after Gaidarov forfeited.
Male Middleweight
Iusup Magomedov (Russia) vs Gazimurad Magomedov (Russia)
Both men were exhausted come the final bell after a full-on wrestling match spent largely on the canvas.
However, all three judges scored 30-27 unanimously in favour of Gazimurad.
The gold medalist said: “Iusip you are my brother and now we are tied at 1-1. Thanks to all of my coaches – without you I would not be here.”
Male Light Heavyweight – FORFEITED
Magomed Gadzhiiasulov (Bahrain) vs Murtaza Talha Ali (Bahrain)
Talha Ali was awarded gold after his fellow countryman forfeited.
MALE HEAVYWEIGHT
Gadzhimurad Bagaudinov (Russia) vs Shamil Kuramagomedov (Russia)
We had another all-Russian clash for the heavyweight crown as two of the big boys fought it out for gold.
And it was Bagaudinov’s use of the jab that secured victory via unanimous decision to become world champ.
MALE SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT
Pasha Kharkhachaev (Bahrain) vs Rassul Khatayev (Kazakhstan)
Fan favourite Kharkhachaev became a double world champ after a gruelling encounter with Khatayev, who rocked the big man several times with some huge shots to the chin.
But he secured the gold medal and retained his crown as all three judges voted in his favour.
