At Mullett Arena in Tempe, Henry Cejudo defeated Urijah Faber by technical fall with an 11-0 score during the third period of their main event match at RAF 6. This high-profile encounter featured veteran grapplers competing in a fiercely contested wrestling match, with Cejudo’s superior technique and strategy overwhelming Faber throughout the bout.
Returning to grappling at 39 after retiring from MMA, Henry Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist and former two-division UFC champion, was widely expected to dominate. Urijah Faber, 46, a former WEC titleholder and UFC Hall of Famer who continued grappling post-MMA retirement, made his RAF competition debut in this match, setting the stage for a compelling confrontation between two seasoned athletes.
Early Exchanges Highlight Cejudo’s Control and Scoring Tactics
The opening period set the tone with Cejudo taking a knee to initiate action, demonstrating impressive balance and swift movements. Faber maintained a defensive posture, fending off Cejudo’s early attempts. Much of the period featured intense hand fighting, with official intervention as the referee placed Faber on a shot clock for inactivity, awarding Cejudo a point.
Following the penalty point, Cejudo executed a clean takedown, securing two additional points and extending his lead to 3-0. Before the period ended, Cejudo added a low single leg takedown after review, bringing the score to 5-0 and firmly establishing control.
Cejudo Expands Lead Despite Faber’s Defensive Efforts
In the second period, Cejudo launched an aggressive offense. Although Faber attempted to leverage his size to resist, Cejudo countered with another single leg takedown. He controlled Faber on the mat and pursued exposure points, though Faber effectively defended himself to limit additional scoring.
The period ended with Cejudo accumulating two more points, raising his total to 7-0. Faber managed an outside trip late in the period, but Cejudo’s persistence prevented any points from being scored on that move, stalling until the whistle and maintaining his position of dominance.
Closing Period Seals Cejudo’s Dominant Victory
With the score firmly in his favor, Cejudo kept a low stance and anticipated Faber’s attacks in the third period. While Faber aggressively pressed forward, Cejudo responded decisively, executing an inside single leg takedown to extend the score to 9-0. He then transitioned into a deep ankle pick takedown, controlling the move thoroughly and scoring again.
The referee halted the bout at this point, declaring Cejudo the technical fall winner with an 11-0 score, a clear testament to his wrestling superiority and tactical execution throughout the match.
Impact of Cejudo’s Technical Fall Win and Future Prospects
Henry Cejudo’s commanding performance over Urijah Faber underscores his continued excellence in grappling after his MMA career. This victory demonstrates Cejudo’s ability to control high-stakes competitive matches through technical skill and strategy. As fans and analysts watch closely, this win positions Cejudo as a formidable contender for upcoming events in RAF Philadelphia and beyond.
The result also highlights a milestone for Faber, marking his return to competitive grappling within RAF, and sets the stage for possible future matchups with other prominent wrestlers, including Merab Dvalishvili, whom Cejudo has publicly challenged.
“Henry Cejudo looks to avenge a notable MMA loss and calls out Merab Dvalishvili for a wrestling match at RAF Philly. pic.twitter.com/vp1uPxVIi3” – Caleb Harris, Journalist
“Henry Cejudo easily takes the main event. Wild night!#RAF06 pic.twitter.com/N7jx63dGEE” – Jesse Morrison, Sports Commentator
Henry Cejudo looks to avenge a notable MMA loss and calls out Merab Dvalishvili for a wrestling match at RAF Philly. pic.twitter.com/vp1uPxVIi3
— Caleb Harris (@calebASUharris) March 1, 2026
Henry Cejudo easily takes the main event. Wild night!#RAF06 pic.twitter.com/N7jx63dGEE
— Jesse Morrison (@morrscode_) March 1, 2026
