Merab Dvalishvili and UFC veterans highlight the upcoming RAF events

Merab Dvalishvili, former UFC bantamweight champion, will make his Real American Freestyle (RAF) debut at RAF 8 on April 18, 2026, in Philadelphia, according to multiple reports from Yahoo Sports. The event will stream exclusively on Fox Nation, marking Dvalishvili’s first appearance outside the UFC as he remains inactive waiting for a UFC title rematch against Petr Yan, who is recovering from back surgery.

RAF 6, scheduled to take place earlier at Tempe, Arizona, has undergone significant card changes, with UFC veterans Aljamain Sterling and Benson Henderson now confirmed to compete. Sterling replaces Chad Mendes, adding further UFC experience to the line-up, as the promotion continues to attract high-profile fighters from the organization.

Urijah Faber, a UFC Hall of Famer and former title challenger, will also compete at RAF 6, facing Henry Cejudo in the main event. Faber acknowledged the challenge given Cejudo’s Olympic wrestling gold and UFC championship titles but remains confident about his chances, according to Yahoo Sports.

Dvalishvili’s transition reflects RAF’s strategic push to showcase UFC veterans in professional wrestling-styled competition under its unique rule set. This approach is seen as a bridge for fighters to stay active and engage fans while navigating UFC scheduling or injury challenges.

Going forward, key developments include the announcement of Dvalishvili’s opponent for RAF 8 and updates on the outcomes of RAF 6’s revised card. These events will indicate the success of RAF’s recruitment of former UFC stars and how this crossover influences both promotions’ landscapes.