While it came as no surprise, David Baev’s 2019 World Championship gold medal run at 70 kg marked the beginning of what could be a glorious middleweight reign. Seth Petarra has dubbed him “The Young King David Baev (YKDB)”, and I think that’s wonderful.
Prior to Worlds, 2015 & 2018 World champion Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov was ruled out of the picture after bumping up to 74 kg and failing to make the team. 2017 World champion Zurabi Iakobishvili was the next strongest contender for the title in 2019, but his form heading into Worlds did not inspire confidence in many.