Ivan Sokolov/Story

Profile
An Olympic gold medallist in amateur wrestling. He weaponizes a variety of throwing techniques derived from his various tackles. With his persistent fighting style, once a fighter is in his grasp, he won't let them go.

Background
A quiet and seemingly unassuming fighter, Sokolov is a gold medalist in the Olympic freestyle 87kg class. He has few big moves and isn't flashy at first glance, but has a very tenacious fighting style as expected of a wrestler. In particular, his variety of tackles, and the throws derived from them are unrivaled in both speed and power. At the request of the Russian Wrestling Association, he participated in the regional qualifiers. He made it through to the final round without a hitch. He usually works as a physical education teacher at a high school.

Interview
Gold Medalist Sokolov enters the fray!

The final qualifying league entrants have been determined in the Northern Asia Regional Qualifiers. The top qualifier from the region was Ivan Sokolov. He is an Olympic gold medalist in the 87kg freestyle wrestling category. In Japan, wrestling is a sport that many consider to be simple, but the excellent skills of wrestling, which has a long and storied history, and is the origin of many modern martial arts, will surely be a threat in the tournament. We interviewed Sokolov directly in his home, not long after his win at the regional finals.

Interviewer: First of all, congratulations on your success in advancing to the final qualifying round.

Sokolov: Thank you.

Interviewer: How are you feeling so far?

Sokolov: ......Not bad, I guess.

Interviewer: Some of the invited competitors have already been announced. Have any caught your interest in particular?

Sokolov: ......No, none in particular. ......However, I am interested in a young Japanese competitor I saw on TV the other day. There was a magazine article about him... self-taught...

Interviewer: Ah, Gai Tendo, yes? What about him caught your eye?

Sokolov: ......He looked fairly young, and his physique... he isn't very large...

Interviewer: Indeed, Mr. Tendo is quite young at 17 years old. I can't say he's blessed with much of a physique either.

Sokolov: ......Yes. But he will probably make it to the finals.

Interviewer: All the way to the finals? What is it about him that makes you think he's that good?

Sokolov: ......He changes his fighting style ever so slightly depending on the opponent. He's a smart fighter.

Interviewer: I see. Are you confident that you can win a fight against him?

Sokolov: ......Yes, I can beat him.

Interviewer: Then I hope a card with Tendo will be realized. I'm looking forward to seeing you in action on the day.

Sokolov: Me too... I'm... excited.

Fan Q&A
"Question 1""Q. The chuckling and snorting (in the soundtrack voice collection) is really bothering me... (--；) I'm scared....""A. ..................""Question 2""Q. I called you 'Ian Sokolov'. Sorry about that.""A. ..................""Question 3""Q. What is your personal treasure?""A. ..................Letters.""Question 4""Q. I feel that your joint techniques are lacking, perhaps due to your wrestling background, but do you have any experience in Sambo?""A. ...I learned the basics ...In the military.""Question 5""Q. What did you eat as a child?""A. ......Bread.""Question 6""Q. Your grappling moves seem to include non-wrestling techniques. Do you have any experience or knowledge of sambo or other techniques?""A. ...I do ...From my military days.""Question 7""Q. How do I avoid quick strikes?""A. ...Go under ...grab ...or jump.""Question 8""Q. Bald?""A. ......Not bald.""(Although a little unusual, it seems to be Sokolov's preferred haircut.) - Tournament HQ"