Bryce Meredith, a competitor transitioning from full-time wrestling to mixed martial arts, has openly challenged fellow MMA fighters within his weight class to test their skills against him in wrestling matches. This announcement came publicly on social media in December, where Meredith invited opponents to prove themselves in a grappling contest. His focus is on showcasing his wrestling prowess by facing some of the sport’s most respected grapplers, including Merab Dvalishvili, widely regarded as one of the best in the bantamweight division.
Meredith’s recent plans involved a grappling bout with Muhammad Mokaev scheduled for the February 28 Real American Freestyle (RAF) event in Tempe, Arizona. However, due to changes in the fight card, Meredith will now compete against Andrew Alirez in the upcoming RAF event. Besides his involvement in this wrestling promotion, Meredith is preparing for his third outing in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he is set to face Jack Cartwright next month.
Confidence in Wrestling Ability Against Merab Dvalishvili
Despite the MMA accolades of opponents like Merab Dvalishvili, Meredith remains confident about his chances in a wrestling match. He acknowledges Dvalishvili’s reputation for takedowns and grappling skill but believes that in a pure wrestling environment, he would have the advantage. Meredith expressed his eagerness to prove this point publicly and to challenge perceptions of skill between wrestling and cage grappling.
“I’m excited to show them that when we are in a wrestling match, they’re not on my level. They’re on my level in a cage grappling sense, like a Merab [Dvalishvili] or something. Obviously he’s a world champ, he does amazing, he takes people down 40 times in a fight, it’s pretty incredible. But, if we wrestled, I think I’m going to smash him and I want to prove it and I want to show everybody.”
?Bryce Meredith, PFL Fighter
Other Potential Grappling Opponents Beyond Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili is not the only fighter Meredith has highlighted as a worthy adversary. He has also signaled interest in meeting Aljamain Sterling, a former UFC bantamweight champion and close training partner of Dvalishvili. Meredith views Sterling as a challenging but appealing opponent for a grappling confrontation, though weight class differences may present logistical issues.
“I think me and Aljo would be a really fun matchup. Aljo’s tough… I kind of still want to do that but he gets pretty big so I don’t know where he’d want to meet.”
?Bryce Meredith, PFL Fighter
Sterling responded to Meredith’s initial call by noting that his weight is above the limits Meredith specified, indicating that a matchup might require adjustment or compromise.
Real American Freestyle Event and Rising Interest in Wrestling Competitions
The upcoming RAF 6 event in Tempe, Arizona, scheduled for February 28, features several high-profile MMA figures stepping into wrestling matches. Headlined by Henry Cejudo versus Urijah Faber, the event continues to attract current and former MMA fighters who want to test or highlight their wrestling skills outside of the cage. Arman Tsarukyan also figures prominently on the card, demonstrating the event’s growing appeal among fighters seeking alternative competitive formats.
Meredith’s decision to engage in these contests reflects a broader trend where athletes balance MMA careers with specialized wrestling matches, gaining exposure and sharpening grappling expertise. As he transitions fully into MMA competition with the PFL, these grappling challenges serve as both preparation and a statement of dominance on the mat.
Implications for Meredith’s Career and the MMA Grappling Scene
Bryce Meredith’s willingness to take on renowned grapplers such as Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling signals his ambition to establish himself as an elite wrestler within the MMA world. His confidence suggests that these challenges are not merely promotional but are grounded in a serious desire to test and prove his abilities. Should these matches materialize, they could influence perceptions regarding the intersection of wrestling and MMA grappling skills.
Moreover, Meredith’s activity in both the PFL and wrestling promotions like RAF highlights the fluidity between different combat sports platforms, allowing athletes to maintain competitiveness and visibility. Fans and analysts may watch closely to see if Meredith’s grappling prowess translates into further success inside the MMA cage as well.
