By Frank Bonada
After an extraordinary year of competition in 2023, Bahrain’s Gadzhi Gadzhiev is once again poised to compete for the highest accolades in amateur MMA as he prepares for the 2024 IMMAF World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Gadzhiev, already one of the most decorated athletes in IMMAF history, is looking to cement his legacy further in the sport before embarking on what many believe will be a stellar professional career.
Gadzhi Gadzhiev’s rise to prominence in the IMMAF is nothing short of remarkable. At the 2023 IMMAF World Championships in Tirana, Albania, Gadzhiev claimed Senior gold in the Men’s Light Heavyweight division, winning four consecutive bouts in dominant fashion. Whilst this achievement was impressive enough in itself, it also represented something that no other IMMAF athlete had ever achieved. By claiming victory in Tirana, Gadzhiev became the first athlete in IMMAF history to win gold medals across three age brackets: Youth, Junior, and Senior.
Following his groundbreaking performance at the World Championships, Gadzhiev continued his winning streak. He claimed back-to-back gold medals at the 2023 and 2024 IMMAF Asian Championships, with his amateur record rising to an impressive 18-1.
As the reigning Light Heavyweight World Champion, Gadzhiev now sets his sights on defending his title at the upcoming 2024 IMMAF World Championships. The competition, to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will serve as a major test for the Bahraini fighter as he faces a new crop of international talent hungry for their own shot at glory. With his prior experience and a near-flawless amateur record, Gadzhiev enters the tournament as the favourite, but the pressure of defending his title will undoubtedly bring new challenges.
Gadzhiev’s success is part of a larger trend within Bahrain’s MMA scene, which has rapidly become one of the top destinations for MMA talent. Alongside fellow World Champions Gimbat Magomedov and Sultan Gapizov, Gadzhiev represents the next generation of Bahraini MMA talent. Under the guidance of the Bahrain MMA Federation, these athletes have thrived on the global stage, continuing the legacy of past Bahraini champions like Ramazan Gitinov, Sabrina de Sousa, and Rasul Magomedov.
While Gadzhiev’s focus remains on the 2024 IMMAF World Championships, there is significant anticipation surrounding his future in professional MMA. The IMMAF Light Heavyweight Champion’s dominant wrestling, sharp fight IQ, and relentless work ethic give every indication that he is primed for a seamless transition into the professional ranks. As he continues to sharpen his skills in IMMAF competition, Gadzhiev is building the foundation for what promises to be a dominant pro career.
For now, all eyes will be on Tashkent, where Gadzhiev will look to add another historic chapter to his already illustrious amateur career. Should he succeed, he will further solidify his place as one of the greatest amateur fighters in IMMAF history.
