Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo set for RAF’s international debut in Georgia; Arman Tsarukyan to compete

The Regiment Fighting Alliance (RAF) has announced its inaugural international event, scheduled for July 11 at Tbilisi Arena in Georgia. The promotion's debut outside the United States will feature a high-profile rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo as the main event, with an Olympic wrestling showdown between Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sudulaev serving as co-main event.

Dvalishvili, a Georgian wrestler and former UFC bantamweight title contender, defeated Cejudo via unanimous decision at UFC 298 in February 2024. The pair was originally scheduled to meet at RAF 8 in April, but a late injury forced Cejudo out of that bout. Now, competing in his home country, Dvalishvili will face Cejudo on wrestling's biggest stage. "This is dream come true," Dvalishvili told MMA Fighting, emphasizing the significance of bringing the promotion to Georgia, a nation with deep wrestling traditions. "It's been a long time. We've been trying to bring UFC to Georgia, but this almost feels the same."

The card will also feature Georgian wrestler Givi Matcharashvil against two-time NCAA champion Zach Elam, and Geno Petriashvil facing Steve Mocco, a former Dan Hodge Trophy winner and American Top Team wrestling coach. UFC-contracted fighter Arman Tsarukyan will compete on the card as well, with his opponent to be announced; Tsarukyan headlines RAF 11 the following week against Colby Covington.

For RAF co-founders Chad Bronstein and Izzy Martinez, international expansion within the promotion's first full year aligns with their founding vision. "We wanted to do this since day one," Bronstein said, stressing that RAF aims to develop wrestling in local markets rather than impose American wrestling standards. Broadcast details will be announced at a later date.