Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev will make his mixed martial arts debut with RAF in the United States within the next few months. According to the report, Sadulaev is prepared to face any opponent, and when asked about potential matchups with high-profile names like Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar, he nodded in agreement. However, Sadulaev added a stipulation echoing Khabib Nurmagomedov's famous words: his opponent can be anyone, even King Kong, as long as they make 97 kilograms. The weight class stipulation suggests Sadulaev is targeting light heavyweight competition.
Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev is set to make his mixed martial arts debut under the RAF banner in the United States within the coming months, with the Russian powerhouse declaring he is open to facing any opponent willing to compete at 97 kilograms.
Sadulaev, widely regarded as one of the greatest Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers in history, has long been a name whispered in MMA circles. His impending debut now appears to be moving from speculation to reality. When asked about potential matchups with marquee names such as Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar, Sadulaev reportedly nodded in agreement, signaling he has no interest in hand-picking a soft introduction to the sport.
The weight stipulation Sadulaev attached to his openness is notable. Borrowing language reminiscent of Khabib Nurmagomedov's famous declaration, Sadulaev stated his opponent can be anyone — even King Kong — so long as they make 97 kilograms. That figure places him squarely in light heavyweight territory, suggesting he intends to compete in a division that already houses some of the sport's most dangerous and decorated fighters.
Why it matters
- Sadulaev's elite wrestling pedigree instantly makes him a credible threat at light heavyweight regardless of MMA experience.
- His willingness to face high-profile opponents from the outset raises the stakes of his debut significantly.
- The RAF promotion securing a name of his caliber for a United States debut signals ambition from the organization.
- The weight class declaration gives the light heavyweight division a potential new storyline heading into the second half of 2026.
No opponent or specific date has been confirmed at this stage, but with a timeline of just a few months, clarity on his first contest is expected soon.
