Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo to Headline RAF08 Wrestling Event in Philadelphia

The former UFC rivals will face off on the wrestling mat after their previous MMA matchup.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo, who previously competed against each other in the UFC, are set to headline the upcoming RAF08 wrestling event in Philadelphia on April 18. The matchup was announced after Cejudo's return to wrestling at RAF06, where he called out Dvalishvili, who was in attendance. Dvalishvili will use the RAF08 match as a stay-busy activity while he waits for confirmation of his trilogy bout with UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan.

Why it matters

This high-profile wrestling match between two former UFC rivals is sure to generate significant interest and attention in the combat sports world. It also provides an opportunity for Dvalishvili to stay active and sharp while awaiting his next UFC title shot.

The details

Dvalishvili and Cejudo previously met in the UFC octagon in February 2024, with Dvalishvili winning by unanimous decision. Now, the two will face off again, this time on the wrestling mat at the RAF08 event in Philadelphia. Cejudo, who returned to wrestling at RAF06 after retiring from MMA, called out Dvalishvili immediately following his victory over Urijah Faber, and Dvalishvili promptly accepted the challenge.

  • The RAF08 event will take place on April 18, 2026 in Philadelphia.
  • Dvalishvili and Cejudo previously competed against each other in the UFC in February 2024.

The players

Merab Dvalishvili

A Georgian-American mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC bantamweight division. He is awaiting a trilogy bout with UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan.

Henry Cejudo

A former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion who retired from MMA in 2020. He has now returned to competing in wrestling, as evidenced by his recent victory over Urijah Faber at RAF06.

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What they’re saying

“I'm looking forward to this match against Merab. He's a tough competitor, but I'm confident in my abilities on the wrestling mat.”

— Henry Cejudo (MMA Junkie)

What’s next

No other matchups for RAF08 have been confirmed at this time, but the highly anticipated Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo wrestling match is sure to be a highlight of the event.

The takeaway

This wrestling match between former UFC rivals Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo is an intriguing crossover event that will showcase the elite grappling skills of both athletes and generate significant interest in the combat sports community.