Story perspectives

Real American Freestyle Signs Five-Year UAE Wrestling Partnership

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 11:35 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

UAE and Real American Freestyle signed a five-year partnership to host RAF wrestling events in Abu Dhabi.
The inaugural RAF Abu Dhabi show will take place on November 14 at Etihad Arena.
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, a naturalized UAE citizen, will headline the event.
Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev are also scheduled to compete.

History

Historical Context

When the Ultimate Fighting Championship debuted in 1993, it introduced mixed martial arts to a global audience, sparking rapid sport commercialization. UFC’s inaugural eight-fighter tournament generated $2 million pay-per-view revenue, and founder Art Davis secured broadcast deals across three continents. Similarly, the 2024 five-year partnership between UAE’s Real American Freestyle and the RAF places stars like Khamzat Chimaev, Jordan Burroughs, and Kyle Snyder on Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena stage. The collaboration signals Middle Eastern markets’ expanding influence on combat sports, promising increased sponsorships, viewership, and future international tournaments.

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Story summary

UAE and Real American Freestyle signed a five-year partnership to host RAF wrestling events in Abu Dhabi.
The inaugural RAF Abu Dhabi show will take place on November 14 at Etihad Arena.
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, a naturalized UAE citizen, will headline the event.
Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev are also scheduled to compete.

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