Full Breakdown
Dvalishvili Defeats Cejudo in RAF 8 Main Event
4/18/2026, 10:23:56 PM
Main Event Overview: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo
On February 17, 2024, Merab Dvalishvili faced Henry Cejudo in the main event of RAF 8, held at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. This bout marked Dvalishvili's debut in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) organization, where he emerged victorious over Cejudo by unanimous decision. The fight was notable as both competitors are former champions in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), with Dvalishvili previously defeating Cejudo in their 2024 MMA encounter.
Co-Main Event: Tsarukyan vs. Faber
The co-main event featured Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 2-ranked UFC lightweight contender, competing against former WEC champion Urijah Faber. Tsarukyan, who has been actively participating in wrestling and grappling matches globally, engaged in a light-hearted pre-fight exchange with Faber, where he humorously critiqued Faber's physique. The atmosphere between the two was jovial, contrasting with the intensity typically seen in combat sports.
Fight Card Highlights
The RAF 8 card included several notable matchups alongside the main events:
- Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo
- Arman Tsarukyan vs. Urijah Faber
- Kyle Snyder vs. Rizabek Aitmukhan
- Zahid Valencia vs. Aeoden Sinclair
- Helen Maroulis vs. Alexis Janiak
- Jason Nolf vs. Joey Blaze
Official Statements & Responses
Following the fight, Dvalishvili expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating that he was eager to showcase his skills in the RAF. Cejudo, while acknowledging the loss, remained optimistic about future opportunities in the sport. Tsarukyan, reflecting on his match with Faber, emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive yet friendly atmosphere in combat sports.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the celebratory nature of the event, some critics pointed out the potential for distractions in the sport, particularly regarding Tsarukyan's close friendship with social media influencer Nina Drama. Urijah Faber's comments during the pre-fight press conference highlighted this issue, suggesting that personal relationships could overshadow athletic performance. However, both Tsarukyan and Drama have denied any inappropriate connections, maintaining that their relationship is purely professional.
Verbatim Quotes
- “10-0, you’re done!” — Henry Cejudo, expressing confidence before his faceoff with Dvalishvili.
- “My dad is going to call me, ‘Why you take on this fat a--, you couldn’t find a better wrestler?’” — Arman Tsarukyan, joking with Urijah Faber during their press conference.
- “I think the woman you pay to hang out with you is married by the way.” — Urijah Faber, commenting on Tsarukyan's friendship with Nina Drama.
What's Next
Following the event, Dvalishvili and Tsarukyan are expected to pursue further opportunities within the combat sports arena, with potential matchups against other top-ranked fighters in their respective divisions. The RAF organization is anticipated to continue showcasing high-profile events, further elevating the profiles of its competitors.
