Henry Cejudo made an impressive comeback to wrestling by decisively defeating Urijah Faber in the main event of RAF Wrestling’s recent stop in Arizona. Known for his Olympic gold and dual UFC titles, Cejudo showcased his enduring skill in front of a home crowd during this highly anticipated match.
Reviewing Henry Cejudo’s Remarkable Athletic Career
Henry “Triple C” Cejudo first gained international recognition as a freestyle wrestling Olympian, claiming gold at the 2008 Olympic Games. His transition into mixed martial arts solidified his legacy as a fighter, becoming one of the few athletes to simultaneously hold two UFC belts in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. After retiring from MMA last year following a difficult string of losses, tonight’s return to wrestling offered him a chance to reconnect with his original sport.
In the Arizona event, Cejudo’s performance against longtime MMA star Urijah Faber—often called the ‘California Kid’—demonstrated that he remains a formidable competitor. The match highlighted the blend of experience and technical prowess that defines Cejudo’s status among combat athletes.
Details of Cejudo’s Victory Over Urijah Faber at RAF06
Despite stepping away from the UFC, Henry Cejudo proved he remains a challenging opponent in RAF Wrestling. Initially, Cejudo expressed interest in facing younger competitor Bo Bassett, but it was Faber who accepted the challenge for RAF’s Arizona event. Faber entered the match with confidence that his MMA wrestling background might offset Cejudo’s Olympic pedigree, but the result was a clear demonstration of Cejudo’s dominance.
The contest ended with a technical fall, as Cejudo shut out Faber with an 11-0 score. Although Faber managed to avoid being pinned—a small consolation given the decisive loss—Cejudo’s victory underlined the gap in experience and skill at this level.
Future Match-Up: Cejudo Challenges Merab Dvalishvili for RAF Wrestling Debut
Following his win, Henry Cejudo issued a call-out to Merab Dvalishvili, who is preparing for his RAF Wrestling debut on April 18 in Philadelphia. Dvalishvili, a former UFC bantamweight champion, had an impressive reign in 2025, defending his title four times. The two fighters have a history in the Octagon, where Dvalishvili secured a decision victory over Cejudo at UFC 298.
This upcoming RAF match promises to be highly anticipated, bringing together two top-tier combat athletes with contrasting styles and shared championship experience. Both fighters’ records and reputations add weight to this encounter, which will further shape the landscape of RAF Wrestling.
Henry Cejudo’s UFC return to wrestling marks a thoughtful, hopeful chapter in his career, signaling that his competitive spirit remains undiminished. His continued presence in the sport will likely inspire fans and fighters alike, as he blends his Olympic roots with his MMA accomplishments. The forthcoming bouts, particularly against Dvalishvili, will provide valuable insight into how elite athletes adapt and evolve across combat sports disciplines.
