Legendary Russian Wrestler and Three-Time Olympic Champion Buvaisar Saitiev Dies at 49

Saitiev, a six-time world champion and former Russian State Duma member, passed away from a reported heart attack in Moscow.

Buvaisar Saitiev, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, has died at the age of 49 in Moscow, reportedly due to a heart attack.
Saitiev won Olympic gold in the 74 kg category in 1996, 2004, and 2008, along with six world and European championship titles, making him one of the sport's most decorated athletes.
He retired from wrestling in 2009 and later served as a member of the Russian State Duma, receiving numerous civil honors for his contributions to sports and society.
Tributes have poured in from the global sports community, including UFC stars Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev, who praised his influence and legacy.
Saitiev's achievements and philosophy, inspired by Nobel laureate Boris Pasternak, left a profound impact on wrestling and inspired millions worldwide.