Former UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili set to compete at RAF 8
MMA Fighting
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Merab Dvalishvili, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is set to make a historic debut in real American freestyle wrestling (RAF) at RAF 8. The event will take place on April 18 at Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, streaming exclusively on FOX Nation. While details about his opponent and other matchups are yet to be announced, Dvalishvili’s entry into freestyle wrestling marks a significant shift for the sport. Known as “The Machine” for his relentless work ethic and dominance in the UFC, Dvalishvili is now bringing his elite skills to the wrestling mats.
Dvalishvili’s transition comes after an intense 2025 campaign in the UFC, where he successfully defended the title three times before losing to Petr Yan at UFC 323. Despite this setback, Dvalishvili has wasted no time getting back into action. He will first compete in a freestyle wrestling match at RAF’s sixth event on December 9 in Tempe, Arizona, which features a stacked lineup headlined by Henry Cejudo vs. Urijah Faber.
RAF CEO Chad Bronstein emphasized that Dvalishvili’s addition to the league underscores its commitment to showcasing elite athletes and promoting freestyle wrestling as a professional sport. With his roots in wrestling and his reputation as one of MMA’s most dominant champions, Dvalishvili is poised to make an immediate impact on the RAF stage.
This move matters for sports fans interested in combat sports because it highlights the interconnectedness of MMA and freestyle wrestling. Dvalishvili’s transition not only provides fresh content for wrestling enthusiasts but also brings his proven skill set to a new platform, potentially elevating both sports. As he prepares to compete under the RAF banner, eyes will be on him to see how he adapts to this exciting new challenge.
The Real American Freestyle promotion is betting big on Dvalishvili’s star power and technical prowess. His entrance into freestyle wrestling could serve as a catalyst for increased visibility and interest in the sport, especially with MMA fans already familiar with his name. With Philadelphia set to host RAF 8, the event promises to be a major moment in both wrestling and combat sports history.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/24/2026