Match of the Day: Brandon Slay defeats Russian legend Buvaisar Saitiev at the 2000 Olympics Games
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by USA Wrestling
Brandon Slay shocked the world at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
In the preliminary round of the 76 kg bracket, Slay faced a massive challenge in opponent Buvaisar Saitiev of Russia. Saitiev was the 1996 Olympic champion and had won World titles in 1995, 1997 and 1998. Slay, a two-time NCAA finalist for the University of Pennsylvania, was a massive underdog. However, utilizing beautiful double leg takedowns, Slay was able to dethrone the reigning Olympic champ and would go on to earn gold.
While Saitiev did not earn a medal in 2000, he would win gold in both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. He also earned three more World titles before he retired.
Watch Slay defeat Saitiev below:
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