Ekaterinburg Grand Slam winner Sagi Muki (ISR) has positioned himself as a major contender for World Championships glory this summer after earning his fourth Grand Slam gold medal in Baku.

The athlete won his third gold medal of the season with a calculated victory over Marrakech Grand Prix gold medalist Ivaylo Ivanov (BUL). The spectacular thrower from Israel delivered once again as he launched his Bulgarian rival with a huge hip throw for ippon in golden score to pocket the gold in Baku.

-81 kg, FINAL BUL IVANOV vs ISR MUKI

“This season I feel pretty good,” commented Muki after his golden catch to IJF Media in the Mixed Zone. “I have the impression I’m on my best performance streak. I work really hard. I’m in a good position now. My next competition will be the European Games in Minsk. Therefore, I hope to continue my good form towards these Games. The IJF Worlds are also important for racking up points for the Olympic qualification. However, I value both competitions and I want to be successful at both. The -81kg category is stocked with good athletes, to be a consistent performer it’s not that easy. I’m always trying to learn new things to be better than yesterday,” ends Muki.

See also
News
Olympic Capital Lausanne to Host New Grand Slam

01. Dec. 2025 / The International Judo Federation (IJF) is proud to ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
High-Level Judo, Dramatic Swings and Champions Confirmed

30. Nov. 2025 / The final day of competition delivered everything expected ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
+100 kg: Batkhuyag Outmanoeuvres to Take Gold

30. Nov. 2025 / Where many categories took time to settle, the +100 ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
+78 kg: Mukunoki Secures First Grand Slam Gold

30. Nov. 2025 / The +78 kg category reached the final block after a ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
–100 kg: Adamian Recovers to Claim Gold

30. Nov. 2025 / Few divisions shifted as dramatically from expectation ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-78 kg: Olek Takes Gold After a Tactical Rematch with Bellandi

30. Nov. 2025 / The afternoon session for the –78 kg category began ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-90 kg: Commanding Performance from Bekauri

30. Nov. 2025 / After a demanding preliminary phase full of momentum ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
A Morning of Battles That Reshaped the Day

30. Nov. 2025 / The preliminary rounds set a lively tone for the day, ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
A Day of Spectacular Judo and Decisive Performances

29. Nov. 2025 / Day 2 delivered a superb showcase of judo across four ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
Abu Dhabi Set for a Thrilling Final Act

29. Nov. 2025 / Day 3 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam promises explosive ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-81 kg: Gauthier Drapeau Claims Gold with Style and Control

29. Nov. 2025 / The –81 kg category reached its decisive stage with ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-70 kg: Szofi Ozbas Secures Gold with Authority

29. Nov. 2025 / The closing stages of the –70 kg category brought ...
Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-73 kg: Nils Stump Captures Gold After a Spectacular Final

29. Nov. 2025 / The final of the –73 kg category brought together ...
INTERVIEW EXPRESS
Shishime Ai (JPN)

08. Jun. 2018 / The next reigning world champion to be invited to answer ...
News
5 Key Takeaways from judo’s first Tokyo 2020 qualifier

06. Jun. 2018 / Highlights from Hohhot Grand Prix 2018
VIDEO
Judo for the World in Iran

07. Jun. 2018 / In April 2018, the International Judo Federation and ...
Meeting
JUDO: A Beneficial Cause

07. Jun. 2018 / 'Society should believe in sport as a beneficial cause ...