In a tough and contentious affair between two top young international upper-weights, Beka Melelashvili (87 kg, NYAC) found a way to see it through and the result is a fresh “Ranking Series” bronze.
The medal rounds on Day 2 of the 2026 Polyak Imre Memorial began at 6:00pm local time from Budapest, Hungary (12:00pm ET) and streamed live in the US on FLOWrestling.
Melelashvili had earlier in the day recorded three wins before falling via decision to Islam Aliev (RUS) in the semifinal. The ’24 U23 World silver first defeated Mohamed Elkasem Dyab (EGY), steamrolled Rohit Bura (IND), and decisioned former countryman Gurami Khetsuriani (GEO). The loss to Aliev derailed Melelashvili’s run to the gold round but the American went and took the next best thing. But in order to do so, he had to survive a tough test courtesy of Mantej Mandic of Croatia, who is one of that country’s fastest-rising competitors.
The match started with Mandic attempting to assert himself rather physically, but Melelashvili calmly weaved inside of the preamble ties. Mandic then, if only for a moment, attempted an action, allowing Melelashvili to crease behind for an apparent takedown. However, the sequence was ruled a slip for Mandic and the pair reset. Not long after, Melelashvili ignited a scoring motion that ended with his finding a front headlock, which he used to spin behind for two. Nothing was doing from par terre and a restart was ordered. Mandic was eventually cited for passivity, which made the score 3-0 for Melelashvili. But, again, the Croatian defended well from bottom and the score remained unchanged heading into the break.
Melelashvili after receiving his bronze medal at the 2026 Polyak Imre Memorial on July 18 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo: USNT head coach Herb House)
Mandic indeed had his chance from top par terre in the second period. Just under a minute had transpired when Melelashvili was dinged, and Mandic ardently worked to set his lock and crank. Just as Mandic had almost achieved the momentum he needed to gain a turn, Melelashvili stepped over the lock and received two exposure points to increase his margin to 5-1. But — the lead was not yet safe. After the reset, Mandic made good on an attack to the body and collected a takedown towards the edge. Melelashvili bit down to thwart the follow-up attempts from his opponent on par terre top and, soon enough, earned a reset. Mandic did exert several credible attempts through the remainder, but Melelashvili stood firm till the end to come away with bronze, the first of his career from a United World Wrestling “Ranking Series” event.
Notes:
- Melelashvili’s international record in 2026 now stands as 9-3.
- Melelashvili scored five takedowns on Saturday in five matches, excluding two points he gained from a “land-on-top” at the expense of Khetsuriani. Counting that action, Melelashvili had 12 OTF points on Saturday.
- Cohlton Schultz (130 kg, Atreus WC) is the only other American thus far in ’26 to have earned a “Ranking Series” medal after coming away with silver at Zagreb in February.
- Earlier on Saturday, ’26 World Team member Benji Peak (72 kg, NYAC/Position) and U23 World rep Brett Back (72 kg, Position) were both defeated in their respective qualification-round bouts.
2026 Polyak Imre Memorial
July 17-19 — Budapest, HUN
DAY 2 TEAM USA RESULTS
72 kg: Brett Back (Position) — 12th
LOSS Anil Anil (IND) 3-1
72 kg: Benji Peak (NYAC/Position) — 9th
LOSS Mishiko Aleksandria (EGY) 4-2
87 kg: Beka Melelashvili (NYAC) — BRONZE
WON Mohamed Elkasem Dyab (EGY) 4-0
WON Rohit Bura (IND) 9-0, TF
WON Gurami Khetsuriani (GEO) 5-1
LOSS Islam Aliev (GEO) 6-1
WON Mantej Mandic (CRO) 5-3
67 kg: Otto Black (NYAC) — 10th
WON Valentin Petic (MDA) 5-1
LOSS Mohamed Abdelrehim (EGY) 2-1
LOSS Tsuchika Shimoyamada (AUS) 8-0, TF
77 kg: Joel Adams (Beaver Dam RTC) — 28th
LOSS Danil Grigorev (RUS) 8-0, TF
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