Abdulrashid Sadulaev stands as one of the most dominant athletes in combat sports history. Fans know him as the “Russian Tank” for his unstoppable pressure and technical mastery on the wrestling mat.
He has secured multiple Olympic gold medals and World Championship titles, cementing his legacy as a freestyle wrestling GOAT.
In this article, you will know Abdulrashid Sadulaev’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Abdulrashid Sadulaev’s Biography
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abdulrashid Bulachevich Sadulaev |
| Nickname | The Russian Tank |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Education | Dagestan State University (Law Faculty) |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (177 cm) |
| Weight | 97 kg (213 lbs) / 92 kg (202 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | $3 Million (Estimated) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | ~$1 Million Annually |
| Wife | Zaira Shapieva |
| Instagram Profile | @sadulaev_abdulrashid |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Abdulrashid Sadulaev grew up in Tsurib, a small village in the Charodinsky District of Dagestan. This region is famous worldwide for producing elite wrestlers. He belongs to the Avar ethnic group and comes from a devout Sunni Muslim family.
As the youngest of four siblings, he showed a fighting spirit from a very young age. His relentless energy needed an outlet, so his parents encouraged him to try sports.
He started wrestling seriously after entering secondary school. At age 13, he won a district championship, which fueled his passion. He realized wrestling could be his future.
He moved to Makhachkala to train at the Gamid Gamidov Wrestling Club, a factory for champions. His talent was obvious immediately. Coaches noticed his unique blend of explosive strength and technical intelligence.
Sadulaev burst onto the international scene in 2012. He won the Cadet World Championship at just 16 years old.
He dominated his opponents with such force that experts predicted a bright future. He repeated this success in 2013 by winning another Cadet World title.
These victories proved he was not just a local talent but a future global superstar. His transition from junior to senior level happened almost instantly. Most wrestlers take years to adjust to senior strength, but Sadulaev looked ready for the Olympics while still a teenager.
Professional Career
Sadulaev’s senior career began with a historic run in 2014. At only 18 years old, he won the European Championship and then the World Championship in Tashkent.
He outscored his opponents massively and earned the nickname “Russian Tank” because he simply rolled over everyone in his path.
He went undefeated for years, winning gold at the 2015 World Championships in Las Vegas and the 2016 Rio Olympics at 86kg.
After Rio, he moved up to 97kg to challenge himself. This move created a legendary rivalry with American wrestler Kyle Snyder. Sadulaev suffered his first major loss to Snyder at the 2017 World Championships.
This loss only motivated him more. He bounced back to defeat Snyder in the 2018 World Championship final in a quick, decisive match.
He continued his dominance by winning gold at the 2019 Worlds and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he beat Snyder again in a tactical masterclass.
Wife
Abdulrashid Sadulaev he married Zaira Shapieva in February 2017. At the time of their wedding, Zaira was a student at the psycho-logical faculty of Dagestan State University.
The wedding was a massive celebration in Dagestan, attended by friends, family, and wrestling dignitaries.
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Amina, in October 2018. Sadulaev often speaks about the importance of family and faith in his life. He credits their support for his mental strength on the mat.
While he rarely posts private family photos on social media to protect their privacy, he has mentioned that becoming a father changed his perspective on life and responsibility.
Abdulrashid Sadulaev’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Abdulrashid Sadulaev has an estimated net worth of $3 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings | Key Sources |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $900,000 | League contracts, Sponsorships |
| 2024 | $600,000 | World Championship Gold, Bonuses |
| 2021 | $1,200,000 | Olympic Gold Bonus, State Gifts |
| 2020 | $500,000 | State Stipends (Pandemic Year) |
| 2019 | $800,000 | World Title Bonus, Endorsements |
| 2016 | $1,000,000 | Olympic Gold (Rio), Car Gifts |
Achievements
Abdulrashid Sadulaev is one of the most decorated grapplers in history. His trophy cabinet is full of gold from every major tournament available to him.
Below is a list of his most significant accomplishments up to 2026.
- 2x Olympic Gold Medalist: He won gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games (86kg) and the 2020 Tokyo Games (97kg).
- 6x World Champion: He has stood atop the podium at the World Championships six times (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024). His 2024 win was particularly special as he defeated fellow legends David Taylor and Kamran Ghasempour.
- 4x European Champion: He dominated the continental scene with titles in 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
- European Games Gold Medalist: He secured gold at the 2015 European Games in Baku and the 2019 European Games in Minsk.
- Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix Winner: He has won this prestigious tournament multiple times, which is often considered harder than the World Championships due to the depth of Russian talent.
- U23 World Champion: Before his senior dominance, he claimed the U23 European title in 2016.
- Cadet World Champion: He won back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013, launching his career.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record / Details |
|---|---|
| Total Professional Matches | 160+ |
| Total Wins | ~155 |
| Total Losses | ~5 |
| Olympic Record | 8-0 |
| World Championship Record | 30+ Wins |
| Technical Superiority Wins | 80+ (Estimated) |
| Major Rivals | Kyle Snyder, Reineris Salas |
FAQs
1. Why did Abdulrashid Sadulaev miss the 2024 Olympics?
The International Olympic Committee ruled him ineligible for the 2024 Paris Games. The decision stemmed from vetting processes regarding neutral athlete status and alleged support for the Ukraine conflict.
2. Who has defeated Abdulrashid Sadulaev in wrestling?
Only a few wrestlers have beaten him. His most famous loss came against American Kyle Snyder at the 2017 World Championships. He also had a disqualification loss early in his career.
3. What is Abdulrashid Sadulaev’s nickname and why?
Fans and commentators call him the “Russian Tank.” He earned this name because of his immense physical strength, relentless forward pressure, and ability to crush opponents without stepping backward.
4. Did Abdulrashid Sadulaev fight David Taylor?
Yes, they faced off at the 2024 World Championships in Albania. Sadulaev defeated the American Olympic champion David Taylor 7-0 in the opening round of the 92kg bracket.
5. What is the Real American Freestyle (RAF) league?
RAF is a professional wrestling promotion that Sadulaev signed with in January 2026. It aims to professionalize amateur wrestling by offering big contracts and promoting superfights between global stars.
