The road to RAF 9 has taken an unexpected turn, but the result might be even more compelling. Merab Dvalishvili is now set to face Frankie Edgar in a high level wrestling clash after Henry Cejudo was forced out due to injury.
The bout, confirmed by Real American Freestyle, will take place on May 30 in Dallas. What was initially a setback has quickly turned into a matchup that blends experience, legacy, and elite grappling credentials.
A late change creates a fresh headline fight
Merab Dvalishvili was originally scheduled to meet Cejudo at RAF 8. That bout fell apart on fight day after Cejudo suffered an injury, leaving the Georgian without an opponent at the last moment.
Now, just weeks later, he finds himself facing a different kind of challenge.
Edgar, a former UFC lightweight champion and one of the most respected figures in the sport, steps in to replace Cejudo. While the matchup comes together under unexpected circumstances, it carries its own significance.
A source close to the promotion described the shift as “a change that actually adds a different kind of intrigue to the card.”
Two champions, two wrestling identities
Both Dvalishvili and Edgar built their careers on strong wrestling foundations, but their styles come from different paths.
Dvalishvili’s game is built on relentless pressure. With 119 takedowns in the UFC, he holds the record for the most successful takedowns in the promotion’s history. His background includes sambo, judo, and traditional Georgian wrestling, which shaped his aggressive and high pace approach.
Reflecting on his grappling journey, Dvalishvili once said,
Wrestling is always my base. It’s what I trust when everything gets tough.
On the other side, Edgar represents a more traditional collegiate wrestling pedigree. A four time NCAA Division I qualifier at Clarion University, he transitioned that foundation into a long and successful MMA career.
I’ve always relied on my wrestling and conditioning, Edgar said in a past interview. That’s what carried me through tough fights.
Merab Dvalishvili looking to bounce back
This appearance comes at an important time for Dvalishvili. He last competed at UFC 323, where he lost the bantamweight title to Petr Yan via unanimous decision.
Despite the setback, his overall record remains impressive. He went on a remarkable 14 fight winning streak before that loss, defeating top names such as Jose Aldo and Sean O’Malley along the way.
RAF 9 offers him a chance to stay active and sharpen his grappling in a different competitive setting.
Edgar returns to competition spotlight
For Edgar, this matchup marks a return to competition after stepping away from MMA in 2022. His final Octagon appearance ended in a loss to Chris Gutierrez, but his legacy as a former champion remains intact.
Edgar’s willingness to take on Dvalishvili speaks to his competitive mindset.
He’s never been afraid of a challenge, one former teammate said. Even now, he wants meaningful matchups.
His experience, combined with his wrestling background, makes him a unique test for Dvalishvili.
A card stacked with wrestling and MMA talent
RAF 9 is shaping up to be one of the promotion’s most stacked events. The main event features Gable Steveson against Alexandr Romanov, bringing Olympic level wrestling into the spotlight.
The co main event will see Colby Covington face Chris Weidman, adding further depth to the lineup.
With multiple high profile names across the card, the addition of Dvalishvili vs Edgar strengthens an already compelling event.
What makes this matchup intriguing
This contest is not just about names. It is about contrasting approaches to wrestling.
Dvalishvili thrives on volume and pace. Edgar relies on timing, positioning, and experience. Over the course of a grappling match, those differences could create a fascinating dynamic.
Final thoughts
What began as a disrupted plan has turned into an opportunity. Dvalishvili remains active and motivated, while Edgar steps back into competition with a meaningful opponent.
The stakes may not involve a championship belt, but the matchup carries weight in terms of legacy and skill.
As RAF 9 approaches, this bout stands out as a meeting of two accomplished fighters with deep wrestling roots. And sometimes, those are the matchups that deliver the most.
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