Merab Dvalishvili is preparing for his first appearance in the RAF Wrestling promotion, set to face Henry Cejudo on April 18 in Philadelphia. Although the former UFC bantamweight titleholder is not returning to MMA competition immediately, he is taking on one of the toughest challenges in his transition to wrestling, marking an intriguing next phase for his career.
Recalling Their UFC 298 Encounter and Its Impact on Their Rivalry
Dvalishvili and Cejudo previously met at UFC 298, where the Georgian fighter secured a victory that propelled him toward a title shot. Their upcoming defense is a direct continuation, but this time the contest moves away from MMA to pure wrestling, highlighting a new dynamic as each competitor aims to prove dominance in a different discipline.
Close Contest Set for RAF 08 with High Stakes
The two wrestlers agreed to a RAF 08 rematch two years after their initial UFC bout. Dvalishvili witnessed Cejudo’s recent successful return in Arizona, where ‘Triple C’ defeated former athlete Urijah Faber decisively. Following Cejudo’s win, the competitors exchanged intense words during the Olympic gold medalist’s interview, setting the stage for their April confrontation.
Verbal Exchange Fuels Anticipation for the Philadelphia Match
After the event in Arizona, Henry Cejudo addressed Dvalishvili directly during a post-fight interview with Chael Sonnen, declaring,
“April in Philly, I’m going to spank you around. Let’s go, sign the contract.”
In response, Dvalishvili expressed enthusiasm about the challenge, stating,
“I will beat him in his own sport… I know this is a big challenge, but I am ready. Absolutely yes [I accept the challenge]… Let’s do it any time. Now I know you’re tired, so I’ll give you time.”
Not letting up, Cejudo added with determination,
“If Merab thinks he caught me in my prime, he is mistaken. This is my first love and I am going to make you bend the knee.”
The charged exchange nearly escalated physically but was contained following a brawl after the co-main event featuring Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas.
The Significance of This Match in Both Fighters’ Careers
This rematch holds considerable significance for Merab Dvalishvili as he embarks on his RAF wrestling debut against a highly decorated opponent like Henry Cejudo. Known for defending his bantamweight title four times in 2025, Dvalishvili faces an unprecedented test outside the octagon. Their rivalry, already intense in MMA, is now set to unfold in pure wrestling, making this event critical for both tactically and in terms of their legacies. The Philadelphia showdown promises to be a defining moment, heightening anticipation among fans of both MMA and wrestling. The outcome could influence future opportunities for Dvalishvili in wrestling or even a potential MMA return. Meanwhile, Cejudo seeks to reaffirm his dominance on the mat and solidify his status as a multi-sport champion.
