Abdulrashid Sadulaev set for RAF debut in USA within months

Two-time Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev is set to make his professional MMA debut under the RAF promotion in the United States within the next few months, marking one of the most high-profile crossovers from combat sports into mixed martial arts in recent memory.

Sadulaev, widely regarded as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers in history, confirmed the move himself and made clear he has no reservations about who stands across from him. Channeling Khabib Nurmagomedov's well-known phrase, the decorated Dagestani wrestler stated he is ready to face anyone, adding: "Let it be King Kong, just let him make 97 kg." When the names Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar were floated as potential opponents, Sadulaev responded with a nod, signaling openness to marquee matchups at the top of the sport.

The bout will be contested at 97 kilograms, roughly 214 pounds, placing it in light heavyweight or cruiserweight territory depending on the promotion's specific framework.

Why it matters

• Sadulaev brings elite-level freestyle wrestling credentials to MMA, a base that has historically translated well at the highest levels of the sport
• The 97 kg weight class sits between the UFC's 205-pound light heavyweight and 265-pound heavyweight divisions, making the catchweight framing a notable detail for any potential crossover matchup
• Name-drops of Jones and Lesnar signal RAF's ambition to position this debut as a major attraction rather than a low-profile introductory fight
• The timeline of "within months" suggests the promotion is moving quickly to capitalize on Sadulaev's name recognition in the wrestling world