Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev will make his mixed martial arts debut with the RAF promotion in the United States in the next few months. Sadulaev stated he is ready to face any opponent, including when asked about Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar. However, he cleverly referenced Khabib Nurmagomedov by saying opponents can be as formidable as King Kong, as long as they make 97 kg. This weight class specification suggests strategic matchmaking considerations for his debut.
Abdulrashid Sadulaev, one of the most decorated wrestlers in modern Olympic history, is set to transition into mixed martial arts, with the RAF promotion announcing his debut will take place in the United States within the coming months.
Sadulaev made the announcement himself, expressing confidence in his readiness and openness to face virtually any opponent. When pressed on names such as Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar, he declined to shy away, stating he is prepared to meet anyone willing to compete. In a nod to Khabib Nurmagomedov's famous "King Kong" remarks, Sadulaev echoed the sentiment, saying his opponent can be as formidable as King Kong — provided they make the 97-kilogram weight limit. The comment signals that his debut will take place at or around that weight class, pointing to deliberate planning around matchmaking and competitive fit.
Why it matters
- Sadulaev is widely regarded as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers ever, bringing elite grappling credentials that will immediately command attention in any MMA division near the 97 kg mark.
- His weight class specification narrows the field of realistic opponents and suggests his team has a structured competitive roadmap rather than a straightforward showcase booking.
- The RAF promotion securing his debut in the United States gives the organization a significant marquee name as it looks to build its profile in the North American market.
- Name-dropping Jones and Lesnar, even casually, generates immediate mainstream attention and frames Sadulaev as a fighter thinking at the highest level from day one.
No opponent or specific date has been confirmed for the debut, and no official contract details have been disclosed beyond the general timeline of the coming months.
