Real American Freestyle 3 brought a surge of excitement to the Wintrust Arena in Chicago this weekend. UFC stars swapped gloves for singlets, returning to their wrestling roots in a night that blended nostalgia with competitive fire. The event promised thrill. It delivered drama, dominance and one particularly bold challenge.
Michael Chandler vs Chad Mendes at RAF 3 was billed as the marquee attraction, and it lived up to its hype. Both men, respected UFC veterans with wrestling pedigree, engaged in a tactical and physically intense match. What unfolded was a performance that reminded everyone why Chandler’s name still carries weight in the combat sports world.
RAF 3: Chandler Outworks Mendes in a Gritty Main Event
Chad Mendes entered with collegiate accolades and expectations, but Chandler stole the show with timing, pressure and grit. A critical slip in the first period gave Chandler the opening he needed. He quickly reversed position, scored two, and grabbed an extra point on passivity to take a 3-0 advantage.
Mendes pushed forward with determination, but accidental clashes including a head butt and eye poke interrupted the flow and left him with visible swelling. Chandler, however, remained composed, securing a push out point late in the match that sealed a confident 4-1 win.
It was his first competitive victory since 2022, and it set the arena buzzing. But Chandler was not done.
The Callout That Shook the Wrestling World
Moments after his hand was raised, Chandler took the microphone and shot for a moment just as ambitious as any double leg.
Jordan Burroughs, this ain’t 2009! I’m bigger, I’m faster, I’m stronger, I’m more dangerous! Jump in the RAF ring with me, if you dare.
Facing an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated American wrestlers in history would be a monumental challenge. But Chandler’s fire is part of what keeps his name circulating — both in wrestling and MMA. While a potential UFC showdown with Conor McGregor remains his likely focus, calling out Burroughs made it clear that Chandler is chasing legacy and history, not just headlines
Buckley and Guida Face Wrestling Reality Check
While Chandler soared, other UFC stars met a much harsher reality on the mats.
Joaquin Buckley stepped in to replace Corey Anderson and was met with a storm of wrestling finesse from Pat Downey. Downey needed no feeling-out period. He launched Buckley with a powerful throw, and followed it up with a massive airborne slam that brought the crowd to its feet. The match ended in a 12-0 technical fall, a commanding display that reminded everyone that wrestling fundamentals never age and neither does dominance.
Clay Guida, known for his grit and relentless engine inside the octagon, found himself overwhelmed by Cayden Henschel. The youthful wrestler outpaced and outscored Guida with a flawless 11-0 technical fall. Guida’s trademark endurance could only carry him so far against elite technique.
Bella Mir vs Alexis Gomez: A Rivalry Begins
In a surprising twist, Bella Mir daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir suffered a dramatic comeback loss to Alexis Gomez. Mir looked sharp early, showcasing control and composure. But Gomez flipped the momentum late with a takedown and rapid turn sequence that earned her a 7-3 victory.
Considering Mir recently defeated Gomez in another match, this rivalry feels far from over. With Mir chasing Olympic dreams in 2028, this could become one of the most exciting long term storylines in American women’s wrestling.
RAF 3 Results: Key Winners of the Night
- Michael Chandler def. Chad Mendes 4-1
- Kennedy Blades def. Alejandra Rivera 11-0 tech fall
- Pat Downey def. Joaquin Buckley 12-0 tech fall
- Cayden Henschel def. Clay Guida 11-0 tech fall
- Alexis Gomez def. Bella Mir 7-3
- Andrii Yatsenko def. Spencer Lee via pin
- Akhmed Tazhudinov def. Anthony Cassioppi via pin
- Jordan Oliver def. Real Woods 2-2 (wins by criteria)
- Austin Gomez def. Austin O’Connor 9-1
- Bo Bassett def. Darrion Caldwell via pin
What Comes Next
RAF 04 is right around the corner, promising matchups that could draw even bigger attention than RAF 3. Bo Nickal, fresh off a knockout win in the UFC, steps onto the wrestling stage against veteran powerhouse Yoel Romero. Meanwhile, former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will take on U20 World Champion David Carr.
Chandler’s callout to Burroughs may or may not come to life, but it added electricity to an already growing platform that blends nostalgia, elite skill and crossover intrigue.
Real American Freestyle is quickly becoming more than an experiment. It is becoming a proving ground. And for Michael Chandler, it was a night that felt like more than just a win. It felt like a comeback story waiting to unfold.
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