Magomed Ramazanov defeated the American and gave a brilliant speech after reaching the final.
30 year old wrestler Magomed Ramazanov surprised the whole world with his performance. The native of Dagestan’s opponent in the semi-final in the weight category up to 86 kg at the Olympics was the powerful American Aaron Brookswho eliminated the reigning Olympic champion David Taylor from the Games at the national selection.
Brooks started strong and quickly took a 3-0 lead. But Ramazanov did not give up and managed to turn the fight around, and Magomed made the decisive move literally at the very last second – 2-3 turned into 4-3. My Bulgarian colleagues are jumping for joy – at that time their country did not have any medals in Paris-2024 (in an hour and a half, Semyon Novikov will bring victory to Bulgaria in the 87 kg weight class).
Magomed comes to the interview area, shakes everyone’s hands and speaks Russian. Some colleagues from the Balkan country try to speak our language, but not everyone succeeds – a trainer-translator comes to the rescue. In a couple of minutes, our exclusive interview with Ramazanov begins. He speaks in detail, vividly and honestly.
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“The final is left. I hope I win gold. I really want it. I want to bring gold to Bulgaria, to my family. Because so many people are rooting for me and so many people were praying for me. Many people wrote to me before this tournament, even when I just got to the Olympic Games. And so many people are rooting for me, so I really need this victory.”– says Ramazanov.
— Your opponent in the final will be Olympic champion Hassan Yazdani…
– He is a legendary wrestler. How long has he been fighting in this category… His third Olympics! And everyone knows him, he is a fast wrestler. Very experienced, but I hope I will find the keys to him and win tomorrow. I really hope so. Well, everything is the will of the Almighty, so I will do my best, and the result will be visible tomorrow.
— Was it difficult with the American?
— It’s hard, yes, because America doesn’t send just anyone to the Olympics. Aaron proved that he’s a good athlete because he beat one of the best, even the best, I think, in that weight class — David Taylor was like that. I think he was the best regardless of weight class. And Aaron Brooks beat the best several times and proved that he’s a strong wrestler. And yes, during the fight I realized that he’s physically strong, resilient, has extraordinary moves. It turned out that I fought until the end and in the last seconds I was able to pull out the fight.
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— Do you get a lot of support from Russia? Where do you get more support from — Russia or Bulgaria?
— Honestly, I can’t even say, because a lot of Bulgarians are also fans. Actually, I’m known more in Russia. In Bulgaria, it’s mostly people who are involved in this sport. And there are many there — friends, not friends, all of Russia loves wrestling. It’s a Russian sport, you could say. They know me, how I competed. I also competed a lot at that time. I can’t even say in percentages — I think more people from Russia are fans.
— I read that you didn’t know for a long time whether you would go to the Olympics or not. What was the problem?
— The problem was that I waited a very long time for citizenship. At first, I waited for one country. I didn’t switch because of this situation at all, because sports citizenship is generally a popular thing in Russia. I had been looking for a country for a long time, I wasn’t very famous then. And it so happened that when I was noticed, then the offers came.
— Did you switch because of competition?
— I wouldn’t say so. In Russia, you could say, I’ve passed the end of my sporting age. And I’m 30 now — it turns out I only crossed the threshold after 30. In my old age, ha-ha. There are some advantages to this dual citizenship, because you have to live on after sport. But in Russia, there’s no sure place in this sport where I can work in the future. And here it’s in demand, because there are few good coaches, few specialists. Everything is done for the family. I’m not involved in these political moments at all. There are good and bad people everywhere, so I stick with normal people.
— Do you want to work as a coach in Bulgaria later?
— I don’t know, it’s not like it’s specifically in Bulgaria. Anywhere. We’ll see where I’m in demand, where everything suits me. But not now, it’s somewhere in five years.
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— It’s a pity that there are no Russian wrestlers here?
— It’s a great, great pity. You have to be a stupid person not to feel sorry for them. People work hard for years. Anyone who has been through this will understand. I know this from my own experience. Russia is a very serious country, the competition is fierce. Just to get in, to have the opportunity to go to the Olympics, you have to do a lot. And to win, even more. That’s why the guys try, work hard, and in the end they are told: “Sorry, you’re not going.” At the same time, there was no specific refusal from the Russian president either. He said: “Decide for yourself.” It’s a great pity, because people live by this, earn a living by it… They’ve given so many years, I’ve only given at least 20 years to this sport. And in the end, because of some reasons, I had to give it up.
Those who didn’t go, I think that the Russian Wrestling Federation should pay for all of this, compensate. I think that they should somehow finance these athletes. Because they understood their situation, listened to the head of the federation. He should thank these athletes on his own behalf.
— I read that you are called “Khabib’s double”. Is there a funny story about this?
— There are so many funny stories like that. The funniest one was in Turkey. When I was there, you couldn’t go shopping normally. They invited me to take pictures, to eat. And there was this incident when I was driving home after a competition, one guy saw us from afar and thought I was Khabib. And he was so happy! I didn’t even tell him that I wasn’t Khabib. Because I usually tell others that I’m not Khabib, but they still take pictures. But I didn’t tell him, I thought, “Okay, let you be happy to eat.” And I took a picture then. Yes, there were times when they really confused me with him.
— Would you like to meet Khabib and talk?
— We are from the same area. I hope to see him someday, I will shake his hand. A Man with a capital M, I think so. Because at such a level of fame, maintaining masculine qualities is very difficult. Many, having received money and power, all of them get lost. And this man behaved with dignity then and when he became famous.
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— Have you ever thought about competing in MMA?
— No, fights are not for me, to be honest. I think that wrestling is an art, and such fights are forbidden by religion. And that is why they are like a hobby for people. And here it is an art, here they look at how people defeat each other without causing harm to the person. With technical qualities, endurance, well, whatever you have, without causing harm.
— It turns out you don’t really like UFC?
– No, roughly speaking, these are dog fights, essentially. I don’t want to offend anyone, to each his own, this is just my opinion. Personally, I don’t want to kill myself for the amusement of the public. That’s what I think. He [Хабиб] Somehow I got through it without any damage. There are some sports that you choose from childhood and do for 20-30 years, you can’t just quit and leave it all. I can’t even do wrestling, as long as there are some moments in clothes, I can’t take it off for religious reasons. Well, there’s no other way out yet, no alternative.
— You studied law in Astrakhan. Why this particular education?
— My late father also decided this. He believed that the law should be known, and that is why he sent me. First, I studied at a college, finished school in my hometown of Dagestan. I studied very well, because my grandfather was the school principal for almost 40 years, and he really demanded knowledge. But, you know, people in the USSR are more for education, for cultural values, for all of that. And in this regard, I studied well, then I entered college, graduated, and studied at the university by correspondence.
— How will you prepare for the final?
– I will fight to the end as well. I will do everything that I can do best. If in a risky situation [окажусь]I’ll improvise.
The final between Ramazanov and Iranian Hassan Yazdani will take place on August 9 at approximately 20-21 Moscow time.
Olympics — 2024 on Sport24
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Magomed Ramazanov triumphed over the American wrestler and delivered an impressive speech after securing his place in the final.
The 30-year-old wrestler Magomed Ramazanov amazed the world with his performance. The Dagestani native faced the formidable American Aaron Brooks in the semi-finals of the 86 kg weight category at the Olympics, who had previously eliminated reigning Olympic champion David Taylor from the Games during the national selection process.
Brooks started strong, quickly gaining a 3-0 lead. However, Ramazanov refused to give in and managed to turn the match around, making the pivotal move literally at the very last second—transforming a 2-3 deficit into a 4-3 victory. My Bulgarian colleagues were overjoyed, as their country had not yet secured any medals at Paris 2024 (in an hour and a half, Semyon Novikov would win Bulgaria’s first medal in the 87 kg weight class).
Ramazanov approached the interview area, shook hands with everyone, and spoke in Russian. Some colleagues from the Balkan country attempted to converse in Russian, but not all succeeded—an interpreter-coach came to assist. Moments later, our exclusive interview with Ramazanov began. He spoke in detail, vividly and honestly.
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“The final is left. I hope to win gold. I really want it. I wish to bring gold to Bulgaria, to my family. So many people are supporting me and praying for me. Many wrote to me before this tournament, even when I first arrived at the Olympic Games. All these supporters mean a lot to me, so I really need this victory.” – Ramazanov stated.
— Your opponent in the final will be Olympic champion Hassan Yazdani…
– He is a legendary wrestler. He has been competing in this category for a long time… this is his third Olympics! Everyone knows him; he is a quick wrestler with extensive experience. However, I hope to discover the key to defeating him and win tomorrow. I genuinely hope so. Ultimately, everything is in the hands of the Almighty, so I will do my best, and the results will speak for themselves tomorrow.
— Was it difficult competing against the American?
— Yes, it was hard because America does not send just anyone to the Olympics. Aaron proved himself as a competent athlete by defeating one of the best, arguably the best in that weight class—David Taylor was that good. I believe he was the top wrestler, regardless of weight class. Aaron Brooks has defeated the best multiple times and demonstrated he is a strong competitor. During the match, I realized he was physically powerful, resilient, and had exceptional moves. In the end, I kept fighting and was able to pull off the victory in the last seconds.
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— Are you getting a lot of support from Russia? Where do you feel more support—from Russia or Bulgaria?
— Honestly, I can’t say for certain because many Bulgarians are also fans. In fact, I’m more recognized in Russia. In Bulgaria, most supporters are those involved in the sport. There are many supporters, friends and otherwise; almost everyone in Russia loves wrestling. It is considered a Russian sport, so they recognize me from my competitions. I’ve competed a lot during that time. I can’t even quantify it in percentages—I think there are more fans from Russia.
— I read that you weren’t sure for a long time whether you would go to the Olympics. What was the issue?
— The issue was that I waited a long time for citizenship. Initially, I waited for one country, and I didn’t switch because of this situation since sports citizenship is a common practice in Russia. I had been searching for a country for a long time; I wasn’t very well-known then. It turned out that when I was finally noticed, offers began to come in.
— Did you switch due to competition?
— I wouldn’t say that. In Russia, I was reaching the end of my competitive age. Now at 30, it feels as though I’ve just crossed that threshold. I’m joking—old age, ha-ha. There are some advantages to this dual citizenship, as you have to plan for life after sports. However, there’s no guaranteed place in this sport where I can work in the future in Russia. Here, though, it’s in demand because there are few good coaches and specialists. Everything is done for the family. I’m not entangled in political matters at all. There are good and bad people everywhere, so I prefer to associate with decent individuals.
— Do you aspire to coach in Bulgaria later?
— I don’t know. It’s not specifically about Bulgaria; it could be anywhere. We’ll see where my skills are in demand and where everything aligns for me. But not at this moment; perhaps in five years.
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— It’s unfortunate that there are no Russian wrestlers here?
— It’s very unfortunate. You’d have to be ignorant not to feel for them. People dedicate years of hard work to this. Anyone who has experienced this knows. From my own experience, I can say that Russia is a very serious country; the competition is fierce. To qualify for the Olympics, one must accomplish much, even more so to win. That’s why the athletes try hard and persist, only to hear at the end: “Sorry, you can’t go.” Additionally, no specific denial came from the Russian president; he merely stated: “Decide for yourselves.” It’s truly sad because people depend on this for a living and have dedicated many years to it. I’ve personally spent at least 20 years in this sport. To give it all up because of some circumstances is heartbreaking.
For those who didn’t make it, I believe the Russian Wrestling Federation should bear some responsibility, perhaps compensate for the situation. They should find a way to support these athletes. They understood the challenges and listened to the head of the federation. He should express gratitude to these athletes on his behalf.
— I read that you are known as “Khabib’s double.” Is there a funny story related to this?
— There are many amusing stories like that. The funniest occurred in Turkey. When I was there, it was impossible to shop normally. I was frequently invited for pictures and meals. One day, while driving home after a competition, a guy spotted me from a distance and thought I was Khabib. He was so thrilled! I didn’t even correct him; usually, I inform people that I’m not Khabib, but they still want pictures. However, I let him enjoy the moment, took a picture with him, and didn’t disclose my identity. Yes, there have been many times when I’ve been confused with him.
— Would you like to meet Khabib and have a chat?
— We hail from the same area. I hope to meet him someday and shake his hand. He is a real Man, in my opinion. It’s challenging to maintain masculine qualities at such a level of fame. Many lose themselves after gaining wealth and power. Yet, this man has maintained his dignity during his rise to fame.
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— Have you ever considered competing in MMA?
— No, fighting isn’t for me, to be honest. I view wrestling as an art form, and such fights are prohibited by my religion. Hence, they remain a hobby for others. Wrestling, on the other hand, is appreciated for how individuals defeat each other without causing harm. It emphasizes technical skills and endurance without inflicting injury.
— So, you don’t really like the UFC?
— No, essentially, I consider those matches akin to dog fighting. I don’t mean to offend anyone; each to his own—this is just my perspective. Personally, I don’t want to endanger myself for the entertainment of others. That’s how I feel. Khabib managed to navigate through that world without sustaining harm himself. Some sports are chosen in childhood, practiced for decades, and you can’t just leave it all behind. As for wrestling, the attire has religious implications, preventing me from competing in some events. At this moment, there isn’t an alternative.
— You studied law in Astrakhan. Why did you choose this field?
— It was my late father’s decision. He believed that understanding the law was essential, which is why he encouraged my studies. I initially attended college after finishing school in my hometown of Dagestan. I performed exceptionally well, as my grandfather was the principal for nearly 40 years and placed a strong emphasis on education. People from the USSR valued education and cultural development highly. I excelled in my studies, attended college, and pursued legal studies through correspondence at the university.
— How do you plan to prepare for the final?
— I will fight until the end as I always do, giving my best effort. If I find myself in a challenging situation, I will improvise.
The final between Ramazanov and Iranian Hassan Yazdani will occur on August 9 at approximately 20-21 Moscow time.
Olympics — 2024 on Sport24
Magomed Ramazanov Shocks World with Semi-Final Victory Against Aaron Brooks at Paris 2024 Olympics
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The Thrilling Semi-Final
Thirty-year-old wrestler Magomed Ramazanov delivered a remarkable performance that surprised fans worldwide during his semi-final match at the Olympics. Competing in the 86 kg weight category, Ramazanov faced off against the powerful American, Aaron Brooks, who had previously eliminated reigning Olympic champion David Taylor.
Brooks opened the match with a strong start, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead. However, demonstrating commendable resilience, Ramazanov managed to turn the tide of the match, culminating in a thrilling last-second move that secured him a 4-3 victory. This unexpected win sparked joy among Bulgarian fans, as it marked a pivotal moment for the country, which was yet to secure any medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Inspiring Post-Match Interview
After his victory, Ramazanov took to the interview area, warmly greeting reporters and speaking in Russian. Despite the language barrier, a trainer-translator helped bridge communication gaps for his Balkan colleagues. During the exclusive interview, Ramazanov expressed his hopes and aspirations.
“The final is left. I hope I win gold. I really want it. I want to bring gold to Bulgaria, to my family. So many people are rooting for me. Many wrote to me before this tournament, even when I just got to the Olympic Games. I really need this victory.”
Preparing for the Final Against Hassan Yazdani
When questioned about his upcoming match against Olympic champion Hassan Yazdani, Ramazanov described him as a legendary wrestler with extensive experience. He noted:
“He is a legendary wrestler…I hope I will find the keys to him and win tomorrow. I will do my best, and the result will be visible tomorrow.”
The Challenge of Competing Against American Wrestling
Reflecting on the difficulty of overcoming Brooks, Ramazanov acknowledged the caliber of American wrestling:
“It’s hard, yes, because America doesn’t send just anyone to the Olympics. Aaron proved that he’s a good athlete because he beat one of the best in that weight class — David Taylor.”
Support from Russia and Bulgaria
When discussing his support base, Ramazanov responded:
“I think more people from Russia are fans. In Bulgaria, it’s mostly people involved in this sport…All of Russia loves wrestling.”
Overcoming Challenges and Delayed Citizenship
Ramazanov shared insights into the challenges he faced prior to qualifying for the Olympics, particularly regarding citizenship issues:
“The problem was that I waited a very long time for citizenship…And it so happened that when I was noticed, then the offers came.”
Thoughts on Russian Wrestling
In response to the absence of Russian wrestlers at the Olympics, Ramazanov expressed his regret and urged the Russian Wrestling Federation to support those affected:
“It’s a great pity…The guys try, work hard, and in the end they are told: ‘Sorry, you’re not going.'”
Ramazanov’s Reputation and Connection to Khabib Nurmagomedov
Known as “Khabib’s double,” Ramazanov shared a humorous anecdote about being mistaken for the famous MMA fighter during a shopping trip in Turkey, highlighting the recognition he enjoys within the sport:
“I didn’t even tell him that I wasn’t Khabib…I thought, ‘Okay, let you be happy to eat.’ And I took a picture then.”
Future Aspirations and Career Plans
Addressing his post-wrestling career, Ramazanov expressed uncertainty about working as a coach but was open to opportunities:
“I don’t know…We’ll see where I’m in demand, where everything suits me.”
Final Preparations and Expectations
As Ramazanov gears up for the final, he remains focused and determined:
“I will fight to the end as well. I will do everything that I can do best.”
The final between Ramazanov and Yazdani is set to take place on August 9, approximately 20-21 Moscow time. The anticipation is high as wrestling fans worldwide await this thrilling encounter.
