Full Breakdown
Cejudo vs. Faber Headlines RAF 6 Wrestling Event
3/1/2026, 4:01:37 AM
Event Overview
The Real American Freestyle (RAF) 6 event took place on February 28, 2023, at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. The main event featured former UFC two-division champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo facing UFC veteran Urijah Faber. This matchup marked Cejudo's return to the wrestling mat following his retirement from the UFC in December 2022 after a series of losses. Faber, who is seven years older than Cejudo at 46, has remained active in grappling competitions since his retirement from the UFC in 2019.
Notable Matchups
The event was notable for its depth, combining elite freestyle wrestlers with high-profile MMA crossover athletes. The co-main event showcased Arman Tsarukyan against Georgio Poullas at middleweight (175 lbs), adding further intrigue to the card. Additionally, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling stepped in on short notice to replace the injured Chad Mendes, facing MMA legend Benson Henderson at 175 lbs. Other key matches included RAF Middleweight Champion David Carr defending his title against Bubba Jenkins at 165 lbs, and former UFC veteran Clay Guida competing at 165 lbs.
Full Fight Card
- 155 lbs (Main Event): Henry Cejudo vs. Urijah Faber
- 175 lbs (Co-Main): Arman Tsarukyan vs. Georgio Poullas
- 175 lbs: Aljamain Sterling vs. Benson Henderson
- 190 lbs: Mahmoud Fawzy vs. Zahid Valencia
- 165 lbs: David Carr (c) vs. Bubba Jenkins
- 175 lbs: Tajmuraz Salkazanov vs. Keegan O'Toole
- 175 lbs: Mahamedkhabib Kadzimahamedau vs. Evan Wick
- 145 lbs: Andrew Alirez vs. Bryce Meredith
- 145 lbs: Beau Bartlett vs. Jordan Oliver
- 165 lbs: Clay Guida vs. TBD
- Unlimited: Stephen Buchanan vs. Givi Matcharashvili
- 120 lbs: TBD vs. Everest Leycker
Broadcast Information
RAF 6: Cejudo vs. Faber was streamed exclusively on FOX Nation, beginning at 9:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM MT. The event followed a successful previous installment, RAF 5, which had contributed to a significant increase in subscribers for the platform.
Criticism & Opposition
While the event garnered attention for its high-profile matchups, some critics have raised concerns about the trend of MMA fighters transitioning to wrestling events. They argue that this could overshadow traditional wrestling athletes and alter the competitive landscape of freestyle wrestling.
What's Next
Following the event, discussions are anticipated regarding the future matchups for both Cejudo and Faber, as well as the potential for further collaborations between MMA and wrestling organizations. The outcomes of these matches may influence the trajectory of both sports in the coming months.
