Real American Freestyle (RAF), the pioneering unscripted professional freestyle wrestling league, announced RAF08 will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. The event will stream live exclusively on FOX Nation as RAF continues expanding into major markets nationwide, spotlighting top-tier wrestling talent like Merab Dvalishvili in his much-anticipated RAF debut.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Dominant Grappling Skills Highlight the Event
MMA bantamweight star Merab Dvalishvili headlines RAF08, marking his first official appearance in the league. Known for his relentless pace and exceptional grappling, Dvalishvili previously held the UFC bantamweight record with a 14-fight winning streak and possesses the most takedowns in UFC history. His transition to RAF brings one of combat sports’ fiercest athletes to wrestling’s evolving professional stage, promising high-intensity matchups for fans.
RAF’s Growing Presence with Upcoming Matches and Fan Engagement
RAF08 will be held at the 10,000-seat Liacouras Center on Temple University’s campus, reinforcing RAF’s growth by hosting events in prominent venues. Additional bout announcements for RAF08 will be shared soon. Tickets go on presale February 25, followed by general sales February 27, available through realamericanfreestyle.com. RAF08 follows a strong start to 2026, including RAF06 in Tempe, Arizona, with a headline bout between Henry Cejudo and Urijah Faber selling out the arena.
Expanding RAF Calendar Features Top Athletes and Community Programs
Following RAF06, RAF07 will be staged on March 28 at Tampa’s Yuengling Center, showcasing Kyle Dake vs. Parker Keckeisen and Bo Bassett vs. Vladimer Khinchegashvili among other matchups. The day after RAF07, on March 29, RAF will offer a wrestling clinic for young athletes, providing hands-on training sessions led by league competitors. This initiative highlights RAF’s commitment to growing wrestling at grassroots levels.
Endorsing RAF’s Vision: Leadership Comments and Strategic Partnerships
Chad Bronstein, CEO and Co-Founder of Real American Freestyle, expressed the importance of Philadelphia as a fight hub and RAF’s role on major stages:
“Philadelphia is a fight city, and RAF belongs on the biggest stages,”
Bronstein said.
“Merab is elite, relentless, and rooted in wrestling. When athletes of his caliber step onto the RAF stage, it reinforces what this league represents — the professional home for the sport’s best.”
RAF’s Media Expansion and Market Influence
In January, RAF extended its exclusive media partnership with FOX Nation through a multi-year agreement, broadening audience reach. Amazon Prime subscribers can now bundle FOX Nation with Fox One via Prime Video, offering a consolidated streaming experience. RAF remains a premier subscription driver, having generated over 170 billion earned media impressions and 500 million organic social views, alongside seven-figure revenues in ticket and merchandise sales, solidifying its position in the wrestling and sports entertainment landscape.
