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Khamzat Chimaev now has a date set for his next fight. The Chechen star is slated to headline the upcoming international gala event for the RAF organization.
Following successful events in Georgia and Moscow, RAF is heading to Abu Dhabi as part of a new five-year agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism. The inaugural gala event is scheduled for November 14th, with Chimaev expected to compete in the main event against an opponent yet to be announced.
“Abu Dhabi is going to be crazy,” Chimaev told MMA Fighting. “The arena will be five minutes from my home. So it’s going to be great for Abu Dhabi and for wrestling. We started this to make it bigger, and now I’m part of it, so for me, it’s a big deal.”
Chimaev isn't the only current RAF star set to compete. Arman Tsarukyan, who recently secured a knockout victory over Mauricio Rufi at UFC 331, will also participate in the event. This comes just weeks after his main event clash against Dillon Danis at RAF 14 in October.
“What’s certain is that Chimaev will headline in Abu Dhabi,” said RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein. “Arman will fight in Abu Dhabi. Kyle Snyder will fight in Abu Dhabi, Jordan Burroughs will fight in Abu Dhabi, Sadulaev will fight in Abu Dhabi. So it’s going to be an incredible fight card.”
Former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo is also expected to compete at the event.
Regarding RAF's international expansion, the goal is to elevate the sport to its highest possible level.
“They always say the international language is wrestling,” explained RAF co-founder Izzy Martinez. “When one wrestler sees another wrestler, they immediately speak the same language. They understand what they’ve been through – the trials and tribulations in this sport… the highs and lows. It’s a matter of instant respect. So everyone in this league immediately respects each other and moves forward, which is exciting.”
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