Full Breakdown
RAF Launches First International MMA Event in Georgia, Headlined by Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo
6/3/2026, 9:14:53 PM
RAF’s Georgia Debut: Core Details
On July 11, 2026, the promotion RAF will hold its inaugural international card at Tbilisi Arena in Georgia. The main event pits UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili against former UFC champion Henry Cejudo. A co-main bout features Olympic gold-medalists Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sudulaev. Additional fights include Georgian wrestler Givi Matcharashvil versus Zach Elam, Geno Petriashvil versus Steve Mocco, and Arman Tsarukyan against an opponent to be announced.
Background & Wrestling Heritage
RAF launched in August 2023 with the stated aim of providing a global platform for wrestling-centric mixed-martial-arts competition. The promotion’s leadership selected Georgia for its first overseas event because the nation has earned 18 Olympic medals in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, including three golds, and maintains a strong cultural emphasis on the sport.
Key Figures
- Merab Dvalishvili – Georgian UFC bantamweight contender; earned a UFC title shot after a unanimous-decision win over Cejudo at UFC 298 (Feb 2024).
- Henry Cejudo – Former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion; made his RAF debut with a technical-fall victory over Urijah Faber at RAF 6 (Feb 2024).
- Chad Bronstein – RAF co-founder and CEO; oversees international expansion.
- Izzy Martinez – RAF co-founder; collaborates on strategic growth.
- Arman Tsarukyan – UFC lightweight contender and RAF regular; confirmed for the Georgia card.
Timeline of Lead-up
- Aug 2023 – RAF founded.
- Feb 2024 – Dvalishvili defeats Cejudo at UFC 298; Cejudo records a tech-fall win at RAF 6.
- Apr 18 2024 – RAF 8 scheduled in Philadelphia; Cejudo withdraws due to injury.
- Jun 2024 – Dvalishvili records a tech-fall win over Frankie Edgar at RAF 9 in Dallas.
- Jun 3 2026 – RAF announces Georgia event and headline bout.
Data & Statistics
- Georgia’s wrestling record: 18 Olympic medals (3 gold).
- Dvalishvili’s UFC record: 1-0 against Cejudo (unanimous decision).
- Cejudo’s RAF debut: technical-fall win over Urijah Faber.
Official Statements & Responses
RAF co-founders Bronstein and Martinez said the promotion intended international expansion from its inception and chose Georgia because of its “proud wrestling culture.” Bronstein emphasized that RAF seeks to “change” the lack of a global platform for wrestling. Dvalishvili described competing in his home country as a “dream come true” and highlighted the event’s potential to showcase Georgian talent.
On-the-Ground Perspective
Dvalishvili expressed confidence that the event would inspire local athletes and elevate Georgia’s presence in mixed-martial-arts.
Why It Matters
The Georgia card marks RAF’s first overseas venture, signaling a strategic shift toward a worldwide wrestling-focused MMA circuit. By situating a marquee bout in a nation with deep wrestling roots, RAF aims to attract regional fighters, broaden its fan base, and reinforce the sport’s global legitimacy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree on the event date and venue but differ on the precise launch month of RAF (some cite “last August” without a year). The opponent for Arman Tsarukyan remains undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is huge. Really huge.” — Merab Dvalishvili, UFC bantamweight contender
- “Wrestling has always been a global sport. What it has lacked is a global platform,” — Chad Bronstein, RAF co-founder & CEO
- “RAF was built to change that. Georgia is home to some of the greatest wrestlers in the world and one of the proudest wrestling cultures anywhere. We couldn’t imagine a better place to launch our international expansion.” — Chad Bronstein, RAF co-founder & CEO
- “So I think for us it’s a sport of respect and we want to respect cultures and go to the countries that love wrestling.” — Chad Bronstein, RAF co-founder & CEO
