Adam initially started his senior-level international career at 69 kg, or around 152 lbs. He found the weight cut too severe, and soon moved up to 76 kg, where he was world champ in 1999. However, his elder brother Buvaisar also competed in the same weight class, and Adam wanted to compete alongside his brother at the Olympics, not compete against him for a spot on the team. Adam moved up to 85 kg, and despite being undersized, won two world-level titles at the weight.
Saitiev competed many times after 2002, but his career was affected by many injuries.
Saitiev made a comeback in 2012. He found significant success, but in the Russian freestyle wrestling championships 2012 final match lost to Denis Tsargush (1-0; 1-0).