RAF Georgia: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo Headlines Tbilisi Debut

RAF Georgia: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo takes place on Saturday, 11th July 2026, at Tbilisi Arena in Tbilisi, marking Real American Freestyle’s international debut. The main event is a 155-pound freestyle wrestling match between Georgian star Merab Dvalishvili and Olympic gold medalist and former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo.

Main Event

Merab Dvalishvili enters as the home-nation attraction and the sport’s current UFC star, which gives the bout major local significance in Georgia. He already has a history with Cejudo, including their UFC 298 meeting in which Dvalishvili won by unanimous decision.

Henry Cejudo brings one of the strongest wrestling résumés in the sport, with an Olympic freestyle gold medal and championship experience in two UFC divisions. That background makes him a natural fit for a high-profile freestyle showcase, especially in a rivalry setting.

The bout is set on open mats under freestyle rules, not MMA, which changes the dynamic completely. That format puts the focus squarely on wrestling skill, pace, and control rather than striking or cage work.

Co-Main Attraction

Kyle Snyder vs. Abdulrashid Sadulaev is one of the biggest matches on the card. With both men carrying elite wrestling credentials, it gives RAF Georgia a true world-class co-main event.

Kyle Dake vs. Vladimeri Gamkrelidze for the 190-pound title adds even more championship weight to the event. That means the card is not just about a single headline match but a full showcase of top-tier wrestling talent.

Full Card Depth

The event lineup is unusually strong for an international debut. It includes Geno Petriashvili vs. Jake Varner at heavyweight, Helen Maroulis vs. Anhelina Lysak at 130 pounds, and Arman Tsarukyan vs. Kuat Khamitov as a featured MMA crossover bout.

Other notable bouts include Vladimer Khinchegashvili vs. Conor Beebe, Anastasia Nichita vs. Vinesh Phogat, and Ernazar Akmataliev vs. Zain Retherford. That depth gives the card serious legitimacy and helps it appeal beyond just the main event.

Final Outlook

RAF Georgia has the feel of a statement event for the promotion. The Dvalishvili-Cejudo rematch carries real narrative weight, and the rest of the card is loaded with elite names from wrestling and combat sports.

With championship bouts, Olympic pedigree, and a homecoming headline act, this should be one of the most interesting freestyle wrestling cards of the year.