Legendary Wrestler and 3-Time Olympic Champion Buvaisar Saitiev Dies at 49

The Russian wrestling icon, known for his unparalleled accomplishments in freestyle wrestling, passed away from a reported heart attack in Moscow.

Buvaisar Saitiev, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time world champion, passed away on March 2, 2025, at the age of 49 due to a reported heart attack.
Saitiev dominated the 74 kg freestyle wrestling category, winning gold at the 1996, 2004, and 2008 Olympics, and securing nine total World-level gold medals during his career.
Tributes poured in from across the wrestling and MMA communities, including heartfelt messages from UFC icons such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Khamzat Chimaev, and Henry Cejudo, who praised his global influence and inspiration.
Saitiev retired in 2009 after his third Olympic victory and later served as a State Duma deputy in Russia, earning national honors like the ‘Order of Friendship.’
Known for his artistry on the mat and his philosophical approach shaped by Russian literature, Saitiev leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers in history.