Full Breakdown
Real American Freestyle (RAF) Wrestling: From Concept to International Tour
8/26/2026, 3:57:55 AM
Core Development and Launch
Chad Bronstein, a 39-year-old former ad-tech executive, co-founded Real American Freestyle (RAF) after discussing the idea with wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. Bronstein says Hogan’s enthusiasm, combined with input from former WWE executive Eric Bischoff and U.S. wrestling coach Izzy Martinez, shaped the promotion’s vision of turning amateur freestyle wrestling into a spectator-friendly, three-letter-brand sport. Since its debut, RAF has staged monthly events across the United States, filling arenas that previously lacked a dedicated wrestling league.
International Expansion Plan
The promotion’s first overseas show took place in Georgia, which Bronstein describes as “the World Cup for us,” featuring athletes from Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. He adds that Canada, France, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Abu Dhabi and the United Kingdom are all slated for future stops. RAF’s stated goal is to hold one international event each month through 2027, with the UK explicitly on the upcoming list.
UFC Fighter Participation
RAF has leveraged the fanbase of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) by featuring several of its athletes.
- Arman Tsarukyan – after his last UFC bout in November, he has competed eight times in RAF and will return following a September UFC fight.
- Tyron Woodley – the former UFC welterweight champion will headline the Russian RAF event against Khamzat Chimaev. He argues that the UFC’s recent $375 million class-action settlement underscores the need for fighters to stay active in complementary sports like wrestling.
- Khamzat Chimaev, Julianna Pena, Henry Cejudo, Bo Nickal, Ben Askren and Michael Bisping have also competed or been linked to RAF events, illustrating the promotion’s crossover appeal.
Data & Statistics
- Wrestlers constitute almost 75 percent of RAF’s champions, according to statements from promotion officials.
- RAF’s social-media clips have garnered millions of views, reflecting strong online engagement.
- A reported $500,000 offer to Michael Bisping for a RAF appearance would exceed typical UFC bout purses, highlighting the league’s financial ambitions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Athletes want to compete against the best, they don’t care what country it is,” — Chad Bronstein, co-founder and CEO
What’s Next
RAF’s leadership confirms that the promotion will continue its monthly international schedule through 2027, with confirmed plans for events in Russia, Turkey and the United Kingdom. A streaming partnership with Fox Nation remains in place, providing a broadcast outlet for the league’s expanding audience. The organization’s stated mission is to “exist” and “just get started,” signaling ongoing growth and further integration of UFC talent into the wrestling arena.
