Why it matters:
Zare, 24, is one of Iran’s most celebrated wrestlers of his generation, with two Olympic medals and two world titles already to his name. His consistency at the top level has made him a central figure in international wrestling.
The big picture:
The 2025 World Championships, which will begin later today in Zagreb, bring together the top wrestlers in each weight category ahead of the next Olympic cycle.
Zare competes at 125kg, a category long dominated by American and Russian wrestlers.
Hendrickson, who secured his spot by defeating Olympic champion Gable Steveson, acknowledged Zare’s dominance at a joint press conference on Thursday night.
What they’re saying:
Wyatt Hendrickson (USA): “When it comes to the heavyweight category, no one is better than Zare. Winning five medals across the Olympics and world championships makes him one of the sport’s greats.”
Amir Hossein Zare (Iran): “I want to congratulate you for beating Gable — he is one of the best in this weight. Some moments of your match stay in my mind. Tough competition is always more enjoyable. For me, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is — my goal is only the gold medal.”
Key points:
- Zare won Olympic silver in Tokyo and later claimed two world titles.
- Hendrickson is emerging as the new American contender after Steveson’s reign.
- The heavyweight category remains one of the most closely watched in freestyle wrestling, with Iran and the U.S. often producing its leading stars.
Go deeper:
Iranian Wrestler Bags Gold at U-20 Junior World C'ships
Mojtaba Darabi - seyed mohammad kazemi
