Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev will make his MMA debut with RAF promotion in the United States within the next few months. Sadulaev indicated he is ready to face any opponent regardless of their stature. When asked about facing high-profile opponents like Jon Jones or Brock Lesnar, Sadulaev nodded affirmatively. However, he referenced Khabib Nurmagomedov's famous quote, saying his opponent can be anyone, even King Kong, as long as they make the 97 kg weight limit. The post suggests Sadulaev is being strategic about the weight class for his debut.
Two-time Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev is set to cross over into professional mixed martial arts, with his debut confirmed to take place under the RAF promotion in the United States within the next few months.
Sadulaev, widely regarded as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of his generation, made clear that he has no reservations about the caliber of opposition he might face in his first professional outing. When asked specifically about the prospect of sharing the cage with high-profile names such as Jon Jones or Brock Lesnar, he responded with an affirmative nod. He then echoed a line made famous by retired UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, stating that his opponent can be anyone — even King Kong — so long as they meet the 97-kilogram weight limit.
That weight class detail appears deliberate. By anchoring his debut at 97 kilograms, Sadulaev and his team are signaling a clear strategic framework for how his transition into MMA will be managed, rather than leaving the division question open-ended.
Why it matters
- Sadulaev is one of the most decorated amateur wrestlers ever to attempt a crossover into professional MMA, raising immediate expectations around his grappling-based skill set.
- His willingness to name enormous potential opponents suggests RAF is positioning this debut as a marquee event rather than a quiet introduction.
- The 97-kilogram weight class places him in a division that sits between traditional MMA's light heavyweight and heavyweight limits, a factor that will shape available matchmaking options.
- No opponent or specific date has been confirmed, leaving the timeline as "within the next few months" according to the announcement.
