Zahir Khudayarov is one of the most entertaining powerlifters to grace the platform, always bringing huge energy and even bigger lifts. Khudayarov holds the all-time world record (ATWR) squat in the 125 kilograms class at a staggering 480 kilograms (1,058 pounds), the total ATWR of 1,112.5 kilograms (2,453 pounds), and has achieved 630.52 DOTS — enough to put him in the top five globally, irrespective of weight class.
Although Khudayarov’s best results appeared to be behind him, he seems back on form with some monstrous squats, posted to his Instagram page on Jan. 24, 2024. In the video, Khudayarov included several of his warm-up sets. Here’s how it went:
- 405 kilograms (893 pounds) x 2
- 425 kilograms (937 pounds) x 2
- 445 kilograms (981 pounds) x 2
- 460 kilograms (1,014 pounds) x 2
Check out the lifts below:
[Related: Amanda Lawrence (84KG) Raw Squats 11 Kilograms Over World Record in 2024 Sheffield Prep]
Khudayarov lifts in knee wraps and with the aid of a lifting belt and wrist wraps. In the video, he used elbow sleeves. Most federations forbid their use in competition, but they are useful in training for taking pressure off the elbows during low-bar squats.
During the top set, Khudayarov’s body shook extravagantly in reaction to the gargantuan weight on his back. However, he was in full control throughout. He made great use of his knee wraps, pushing his knees into them to store energy and reaping the benefits on the ascent.
Khudayarov’s best squat in competition is the 480 kilograms (1,058 pounds) he achieved at the WABDL World Cup in Finland in 2017. He hasn’t competed in a three-lift powerlifting meet since then.
Khudayarov’s best total came in 2015. However, it looks like the wild man of powerlifting is back with a vengeance with the intent to extend his all-time world records.
It is widely believed that Khudayarov will compete at the ABS Pro in Dublin in August 2024. However, he seems to be peaking for competition at the moment. At the end of the video, he states that his aims are a 500-kilogram (1,102-pound) squat, a 300-kilogram (661-pound) bench press, and a 400-kilogram (882-pound) deadlift.
While these numbers might be ambitious, Khudayarov is hitting PRs in the gym with considerable momentum. His best bench press in competition is 260 kilograms (573 pounds), but he recently hit a convincing 275-kilogram (606-pound) bench press in training. Take a look at the lift below, courtesy of his Instagram page:
Wherever Khudayarov competes next, he guarantees an entertaining session with his boundless energy and enormous lifts.
Featured image: @zahirkhudayarov on Instagram
