Arbuzov delivers in Tbilisi as a bigger move starts to take shape

Timur Arbuzov is only 22, but his latest performance in Tbilisi underlined just how far he already is in senior judo. The Russian won his second European title at -81kg at the 2026 European Judo Championships, beating Georgian home favourite Tato Grigalashvili in the final after only 1:37. In an arena ready for a long battle, the speed of the result made the moment hit even harder.

Arbuzov admitted he had expected something very different. He said he had prepared mentally for a difficult contest, possibly even a trip into golden score. Instead, an early throw changed everything, and from there the final moved in his direction fast.

Interestingly, the contest that seemed to weigh most on his mind came earlier. Arbuzov pointed to his opening match against Switzerland’s Aurelien Bonferroni as a key hurdle, especially because he had lost to him before. This time he felt better prepared, found the right strategy, and after clearing that first obstacle, his day became easier mentally.

The breakthrough may have started long before the final.

There is also a bigger storyline behind the title. Arbuzov says he plans to stay at -81kg through this Olympic cycle, but after that he would like to move up to -90kg. He linked that idea to his continued growth and to the physical toll that repeated weight changes can bring over a long career.

His style on the tatami helps explain why he stands out. Arbuzov credits years of stretching and flexibility work, pushed from childhood by his father, a former judoka who later became a coach. That background shows in the way he moves: loose, agile and difficult to read.

From a European angle, his run in Tbilisi also came through high-level continental opposition. Grigalashvili carried the hopes of the home crowd, while Bonferroni represented another serious test from the European field. Arbuzov passed both challenges and then looked beyond the medal, speaking not only about Los Angeles 2028, but also about the long-term path that could eventually take him into -90kg.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union