–48 kg: A Packed Field and Potential Fireworks
World silver medallist Abiba Abuzhakynova (KAZ) arrives in Abu Dhabi as the top seed, carrying the confidence of a stellar season. A potential quarter-final clash with Xinran Hui (CHN), fresh from her victory at the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam, could be an early highlight, provided Hui overcomes Coralie Gilly (FRA) in her opening contest. In pool B, Sabina Giliazova (RUS) stands as the main favourite, offering further intrigue.
The lower half of the draw features the gifted Tara Babulfath (SWE), world number two at just 19 years old and already a world and Olympic medallist. Meanwhile Assunta Scutto (ITA) appears as the favourite in the bottom section, yet Yua Mori (JPN), untested on the World Judo Tour, will be a dangerous unknown.
–60 kg: Bliev Leads But the Category Remains Wide Open
European silver and world bronze medallist Ayub Bliev (RUS) enters as the man to beat. Victorious at the 2025 OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam, his momentum continues to build. Hot on his heels, however, is Jorre Verstraeten (BEL), a double medallist during the recent Pan American tour in Lima and Guadalajara, who could meet Bliev in the semi-final.
The opposite side of the draw could produce a thrilling encounter between Balabay Aghayev (AZE) and Giorgi Sardalashvili (GEO). Sardalashvili, of course, has fond memories of Abu Dhabi, where he captured the 2024 world title but in one of the World Tour’s most unpredictable categories, nothing is guaranteed.
–52 kg: Krasniqi, the Titan of the Category
Few athletes dominate their weight category like Distria Krasniqi (KOS). A recent winner in Zagreb, world silver medallist in Budapest and European champion earlier this year, she stands as the overwhelming favourite. The question is: who can stop her?
There is no shortage of contenders: Gefen Primo (ISR) could meet her in the quarter-final; Roza Gyertyas (HUN) may stand in her way in the semi-final; Mascha Ballhaus (GER) or Ayumi Leiva Sanchez (ESP) could challenge in a potential final. That’s all without mentioning other major threats: Odette Giuffrida (ITA), Khorloodoi Bishrelt (UAE), Reka Pupp (HUN) or Astrid Gnetto (FRA). Predictions here are truly perilous.
–66 kg: Pashayev Leads a Talent-Dense Category
Fresh from his podium finish at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Ruslan Pashayev (AZE) looks well-suited to conditions in the region and comes in as the top seed but with a large and dangerous field, the path to gold will be anything but easy. In pool B, Walide Khyar (FRA) stands out as another strong contender, though he too faces a treacherous route.
A long list of high-calibre judoka, including Murad Chopanov (RUS), Willian Lima (BRA), Denis Vieru (MDA), Baskhuu Yondonperenlei (MGL) and David Garcia Torne (ESP), could all disrupt expectations. This category is ripe for surprises.
–57 kg: Depth, Uncertainty and a Long List of Contenders
The final women’s category of the day is set to be a thriller. Seija Ballhaus (GER) may be the top seed but the chasing pack is stacked with talent and ambition. Among the key challengers: Shukurjon Aminova (UZB), relentless and resilient; Acelya Toprak (GBR), in superb form; Timna Nelson Levy (ISR), powerful and consistent; Mimi Huh (KOR), a world champion and tactically solid, Mika Adachi (JPN), a judoka who could cause serious disruption. To summarise, this is a category without clear hierarchy. The only certainties are quality and drama.
With so many stars, rising talent and unpredictable match-ups, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2025 promises three unforgettable days of world-class judo. Follow every moment live on JudoTV.com.