Russia vs USA: Wrestling Supermatch Between Two Powers to Take Place in Budapest

On July 21, 2025, a grand freestyle wrestling dual meet between the national teams of Russia and the United States will take place in Budapest as part of the ninth season of the Professional Wrestling League (PWL 9).

Armenian wrestler Bryce Andonian will compete for Team USA in the 70 kg weight category.

The rivalry between these two wrestling powerhouses, which has captivated the combat sports world for decades, is reaching a new level. For the first time in years, Russia and the USA will face off in a full dual format on neutral ground. The historic bout will be hosted in Hungary’s capital — a convenient meeting point for both teams.

The match will be held under the symbolic slogan “Wrestling for Peace,” reflecting the spirit of sporting rivalry in which Russia and the USA, despite political tensions, maintain deep respect and mutual interest. This time, young stars — the future leaders of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle — will take to the mat.

Russia will be led by world champion Abasgadzhi Magomedov, while Team USA will be fronted by U20 world champion Luke Lilledahl. A total of 10 bouts are scheduled — from 57 kg to 125 kg. The event promises to be a thrilling prelude to a possible Sadulaev–Snyder clash at the upcoming World Championships.

Date: July 21, 2025
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Broadcast: WRESTLINGTV.RU and SPORTRUSSIA.TV — starts at 20:00 MSK

All bouts of the Russia vs USA wrestling dual will be available.

57 kg. Musa Mekhtikhanov (Russia) vs. Luke Lilledahl (USA)
61 kg. Muslim Mekhtikhanov (Russia) vs. Seth Gross (USA)
65 kg. Abasgadzhi Magomedov (Russia) vs. CJ Composto (USA)
70 kg. Saiyn Kazyryk (Russia) vs. Bryce Andonian (USA)
74 kg. Magoma Dibirgadzhiev (Russia) vs. Joseph Blaze (USA)
79 kg. Mokhmad Nasirkhaev (Russia) vs. DJ Hamiti (USA)
86 kg. Amanula Rasulov (Russia) vs. Marcus Coleman (USA)
92 kg. Amanula Gadzhimagomedov (Russia) vs. Mike Macchiavello (USA)
97 kg. Konstantin Pshenichnikov (Russia) vs. Jay Aiello (USA)
125 kg. Zelimkhan Khizriev (Russia) vs. Trent Hilger (USA)

As a reminder, from July 17 to 20, Budapest will host the annual ranking tournament in memory of legendary Hungarian wrestlers Imre Polyák and János Varga. Five Armenian wrestlers are expected to participate in the tournament.