"My training is really specific around these things"- David Taylor weighs in on potential World Championships clash with Abdulrashid Sadulaev

As David Taylor prepares for his return to the global stage, fans are excited for a potential clash between him and Abdulrashid Sadulaev. In a recent interview, the American shared his thoughts about going up against the Russian and how he has been training for that match.

For Taylor, 2024 has been a whirlwind year. First, he announced his retirement after failing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Then the 33-year-old took up the head coach position with the Oklahoma Cowboys.

However, in September he announced his return to the sport, competing at the World Championships Trials. The 33-year-old was phenomenal on the mat there and has now qualified for the World Wrestling Championships scheduled to take place in Tirana later this month.

Now, with Taylor out of retirement and Sadulaev acing his national trials, fans are eagerly anticipating a clash between the two, and they're not the only ones.

Speaking to FloWrestling, David Taylor heaped praise on the Russian while outlining how he's preparing to compete against ‘The Tank’.

“Obviously, this World Championships is different (Abdulrashid) Sadulaev what he does is unique and not only is he unique, he's the best at what he does. The beys chest wrapper, the best gut wrench guy.”

“So I would say the difference is now my training is really specific around these things. When I'm in there, my focus areas are chest wraps, finishing my takedowns. Because it's going to be encountered, right? That's what I think is exciting about a match like this. I'm going to shoot, you know? And he's going to try and chest wrap me. That's where it's going to be determined. It's going to come down to a couple of flurries in there and who comes out on top is probably going to dictate the outcome.”

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When and how to watch David Taylor compete at the World Wrestling Championships

The 2024 Senior Wrestling World Championships are scheduled to be held in Tirana, Albania, between October 28 and 31. David Taylor will be competing in the 92 kg weight class and will be in action towards the tail end of the competition.

Taylor's campaign at the championships will begin with the qualification rounds on Wednesday, October 30, with the semifinals taking place later the same day. Repechage rounds and the finals are scheduled for Thursday, October 31. Fans in America excited to watch the ‘Magic Man' live can tune in to FloWrestling.