“I was 16 years old when I traveled abroad for the first time — it was Slovakia. My first international competition [U17 Worlds], at 58 kilograms. I won, so I have only good memories of Slovakia.” Safe to say that the 27-year-old Russian freestyle wrestler has only added to those “good memories.” Remember his 2014 U17 world gold medal win in Slovakia? Yeah, that. But then, he vanished from the international stage for a significant period. Till then, he had solidified his status as a global star by winning the 2019 senior World Championships at 70 kg in Astana. What could have kept such talent away for so long?

For a while, the wrestling world saw nothing of David Baev on the global mats. Baev briefly experimented with moving up to the 74 kg weight class, hoping to chase Olympic dreams, but with little success, he returned to his natural 70 kg division. During this time, he stayed active domestically, but the international spotlight eluded him, creating a void that only amplified the anticipation for his return.

Back in 2021, he appeared in the Yarygin Grand Prix against Kurban Shiraev in 70 kg. However, in the quarter-final, Shiraev managed to defeat the world champion at the time. This left the fans wondering: could Baev, after such a long break, still compete with the best in the world?

The answer came emphatically on April 8, 2025, in Bratislava, Slovakia, where Baev staged a triumphant return at the European Championships. Baev was back in Slovakia—11 years after his U17 glory—to restart his international career, and he did so in style, clinching European gold. His dominant run culminated in a 4-1 victory over Armenia’s Arman Andreasyan in the 70 kg final. Baev took an early lead with a point from Andreasyan’s passivity, followed by a takedown in the second period to go up 3-0. A step out pushed his lead to 4-0 before conceding a single point, sealing the win with poise.

After the match, he said, “Honestly, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a very long time, and I enjoyed every second of it. I’ve so badly wanted to see those blue and purple banners from UWW Worlds and Europeans.” His celebration—spreading his arms and looking to the skies—echoed his 2014 victory in Slovakia, a gesture he’s kept consistent.

“My first victory where I celebrated was 11 years ago, also in Slovakia,” he added. “Since then, after every win—and even after losses—I do the same celebration.” But what made this victory even more meaningful for Baev?

David Baev dedicated his gold medal to the Buvaisar Saitiev

Well, fans felt a wave of emotion when David Baev stepped off the mat in Bratislava, sporting a “Buvaisar Saitiev” t-shirt after clinching European gold at 70 kg. The gesture was more than symbolic—Baev dedicated his hard-fought medal to Saitiev, the three-time Olympic champion who tragically passed away in March 2025 at the age of 49. For Baev, this win was a chance to honor a legend whose influence on the sport is unmatched. “Saitiev is a legendary wrestler,” Baev said, his admiration clear.

“His name has practically become symbolic. It’s like when someone talks about basketball, they mention Jordan. Or when it’s football, they bring up Ronaldo or Maradona. In wrestling, it’s Saitiev. What he showed on the mat… no one has ever shown before, and probably no one ever will.” Baev wasn’t alone in his tribute—three other UWW wrestlers who won gold that day also dedicated their medals to Saitiev, showing just how deep his legacy runs. But what personal connection did Baev have with the icon that made this dedication so heartfelt?

Reflecting on his childhood, Baev shared a poignant memory that added layers to his tribute. “I actually met him once as a kid,” he revealed, recalling a moment from when he was just four years old. “My father’s friends took me to the Akhmat Kadyrov Memorial tournament. I was very young, but I remember sitting at the same table with him—I even have a photo.” That fleeting encounter left a lasting impression on Baev, who always hoped to reconnect with Saitiev later in life.

“Honestly, I’ve always wanted to ask him if he remembers that little boy sitting at the table with him in that café… But sadly, I never got the chance,” he said, his voice tinged with regret. The loss of Saitiev clearly hit Baev hard, making his European gold a bittersweet moment of celebration and remembrance. How will Baev carry forward Saitiev’s legacy as he continues his own wrestling journey?