Ibragim Sagov has pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career, defeating Devon Larratt 4–3 at East vs. West 27 in Budapest, Hungary.
The Russian armwrestler recovered from a 3–1 deficit to beat one of the sport’s biggest names, with his dangerous flop press causing problems for Devon throughout the match.
The result is particularly significant because Devon had been clear about his expectations heading into the contest. He believed he could defeat Sagov 4–0, while Sagov had made a dramatic statement of his own by saying he would quit armwrestling if Devon beat him 4–0.
Neither prediction came true. Instead, Sagov walked away with a victory that could change the direction of the 115 kg division.
Sagov’s Press Gave Devon Problems From the Start
Devon knew that Sagov’s pressing game was a major threat before the match.
In the buildup, Devon discussed how opponents who brought him into a hook or pulled him away from his shoulder had found ways to challenge him. He also pointed out that Sagov had never competed in the straps at East vs. West, making that aspect of the matchup an interesting unknown.
Once the match began, Sagov showed why Devon had reason to be concerned.
His flop press allowed him to drive through Devon’s defensive positions, putting considerable pressure on the Canadian’s arm. Devon could attempt to contain the attack, but stopping Sagov did not necessarily mean he could turn the position into a winning attack of his own.
That distinction became one of the defining features of the contest.
Devon is known for his ability to adapt, change directions and find solutions when an opponent takes away his preferred position. Sagov presented a problem that proved difficult to solve, even when Devon managed to slow the action down.
Devon Took a 3–1 Lead, but Sagov Kept Fighting
The scoreline initially suggested that Devon was close to securing the victory.
He built a 3–1 lead, with fouls playing a significant role in the contest. Sagov repeatedly found himself in positions where his elbow or setup cost him rounds, allowing Devon to move closer to the finish line.
However, the Russian continued to apply pressure.
Sagov’s pressing attack remained dangerous, and Devon struggled to find a reliable way to finish the match on his own terms. Even when Devon gained an advantage through the rules, he still had to deal with the same physical problem when the next round began.
At 3–1, Devon needed just one more round to win. Sagov needed three consecutive rounds to complete the comeback.
The situation looked difficult, but Sagov did not abandon the strategy that had given Devon so much trouble.
Instead, he continued attacking.
A Controversial Moment Changed the Match
One of the most important moments came when Devon appeared to secure a pin that would have ended the match.
Sagov protested the start, and the review resulted in the start being overturned. The athletes returned to the table, giving Sagov another opportunity to compete for the round.
He took advantage of it and secured the pin to bring the score to 3–3.
That decision proved crucial.
Without the successful protest, Devon could have left Budapest with a victory. Instead, Sagov had another chance to make his comeback complete.
The moment also demonstrated how important the refereeing process can become in a close supermatch. When the difference between winning and losing is a single round, a disputed start can have enormous consequences.
Sagov still had to finish the job. The protest gave him the opportunity, but his performance on the restart made the difference.
Sagov Finished the Comeback
With the match level at 3–3, everything came down to the deciding round.
Sagov continued to rely on the press that had troubled Devon throughout the contest. This time, he completed the job and secured the decisive pin, winning the match 4–3.
The comeback was a major achievement for Sagov, particularly because he had allowed the score to reach 3–1 before recovering.
Devon had opportunities to close out the match, but Sagov’s ability to keep attacking proved decisive. His pressing strength remained a problem even after several demanding rounds, and Devon never found a consistent answer.
The victory also gives Sagov an important result against one of the most experienced competitors in professional armwrestling.
What Does This Mean for Devon Larratt?
The defeat raises questions about Devon’s position in the 115 kg division.
He entered the contest with considerable confidence and had discussed making the weight class his home. Losing to Sagov does not erase his accomplishments or establish that he cannot beat him in a rematch, but it does show that the Russian presents a serious challenge.
For Devon, the next step will be figuring out how to prevent Sagov from establishing his pressing position. He may need to change the setup, attack the hand differently or find a more reliable way to turn defensive stops into offensive opportunities.
Sagov, meanwhile, has proved that his press can cause serious problems for an opponent of Devon’s calibre.
The biggest question now is whether Devon can make the necessary adjustments before they meet again.
For Sagov, the result is a statement victory. He survived a 3–1 deficit, took advantage of a crucial restart and finished one of the most important matches of his career.
East vs. West 27 gave the armwrestling world a dramatic comeback. Now the attention turns to what happens next.
