Karen Aslanyan defeats Azerbaijani opponent in final to become world champion for the first time

Karen Aslanyan has won the gold medal in the 63 kg category at the 2026 Greco-Roman Wrestling World Championships. The 31-year-old Armenian defeated Azerbaijan’s Nihat Mammadli 8–4 in the final to claim the first world title of his career.

Aslanyan enjoyed an outstanding tournament, winning all four bouts before the time limit on his way to the final. In the title bout, he produced a comeback against an opponent who has won both world and European titles.

From 0–4 down to world championship gold

The final began with a successful attack from Mammadli, who executed a four-point throw to take a 4–0 lead. Aslanyan quickly responded with a two-point throw of his own before narrowing the deficit to 3–4.

Before the break, the Armenian wrestler delivered a spectacular four-point throw to move ahead 7–4.

Aslanyan defended confidently in the second period, preventing his opponent from scoring. In the closing stages, he earned another point for a step-out to seal an 8–4 victory.

Four wins before the time limit and a first world title

His semifinal performance was particularly impressive. Aslanyan defeated world silver medallist Edmond Nazaryan, representing Bulgaria, 12–4, ending the bout early by technical superiority.

Even before the final, the Armenian wrestler had executed eight four-point throws across four bouts. His opponents included world and European championship medallists, as well as an Asian champion.

After the semifinal, Aslanyan raised Nazaryan’s hand, and the two wrestlers shared a warm exchange in a display of mutual respect.

Before this tournament, Karen’s best result at the World Championships was a bronze medal in 2024. He had also won five European championship medals. He has now added his first world championship gold to those achievements.

For Armenia, which had endured a difficult championship campaign, Aslanyan’s victory marked a major success. Gevorg Tadevosyan (87 kg) and Slavik Galstyan (67 kg) will also compete for bronze medals today.