UFC Legends Clash on the Mat at RAF 9
Former UFC champions Merab Dvalishvili and Frankie Edgar are set to meet in a professional wrestling bout at RAF 9 wrestling event on May 30, 2026.
The event takes place at College Park Center in Dallas, Texas, and will stream on Fox Nation.
This matchup marks the promotional wrestling debut for both fighters, bringing elite MMA experience back to a pure grappling setting.
Event Details
- Event: RAF 9
- Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Venue: College Park Center
- Format: Professional Wrestling (Open Mat)
- Broadcast: Fox Nation
Fighter Profiles
Merab Dvalishvili
- Age: 35
- Height: 5’6” (168 cm)
- Reach: 68” (173 cm)
- Country: Georgia
- Gym: Syndicate MMA / Serra Jiu-Jitsu
Dvalishvili is known for relentless pace and high-volume wrestling. His UFC style has been built on pressure, cardio, and repeated takedown attempts.
Frankie Edgar
- Age: 44
- Height: 5’6” (168 cm)
- Reach: 68” (173 cm)
- Country: United States
- Fights out of: Toms River, New Jersey
- Gym: Ricardo Almeida Jiu-Jitsu
Edgar brings a strong collegiate wrestling background, having competed at Clarion University. His approach is technical, disciplined, and rooted in fundamentals.
Matchup Breakdown
This bout presents a contrast in approach:
- Dvalishvili: Pressure-heavy, pace-driven wrestling
- Edgar: Technical, experience-based control
Both fighters share identical physical measurements, making style and conditioning the key differentiators.
Background
Dvalishvili was originally scheduled to face Henry Cejudo at RAF 8, but the bout was canceled due to injury. He now returns at RAF 9 against another former UFC champion.
Edgar, who retired from MMA in 2022, returns to competition in a wrestling format after previous attempts to compete in other combat sports.
RAF has evolved into a platform for high-level fighters transitioning back into grappling competition while between MMA bookings.
RAF 9 Fight Card Highlights
- Gable Steveson vs Alexandr Romanov
- Colby Covington vs Chris Weidman
- Kennedy Blades vs Alexis Gomez
Final Thoughts
Dvalishvili vs Edgar is a pure wrestling matchup between two fighters with elite MMA backgrounds but different stylistic foundations.
With no striking involved, the contest will depend entirely on control, positioning, and endurance.
RAF 9 continues to build momentum as a destination for crossover combat sports competition, and this bout stands out as one of its most intriguing matchups.
