Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev will make his debut in the RAF promotion within the next few months at a tournament in the United States. Sadulaev stated he is ready to face any opponent and was asked about facing Jon Jones or Brock Lesnar. He responded by echoing Khabib Nurmagomedov's famous words, saying his opponent could be King Kong as long as they make 97 kg. The report suggests Sadulaev is confidently entering MMA with a weight advantage in mind.
Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev is set to make his professional MMA debut under the RAF promotion, with a tournament appearance in the United States expected within the next few months.
Sadulaev, widely regarded as one of the greatest Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers of his generation, is transitioning to mixed martial arts with a clear sense of confidence heading into the new chapter. When asked about potential opponents — with names like Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar raised — Sadulaev gave a response that will resonate with fans of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Echoing the retired lightweight great's famous words, Sadulaev said his opponent could be King Kong, so long as they can make 97 kilograms.
The comment signals both a fighting spirit and a deliberate approach to the weight class he plans to compete in, suggesting the decorated wrestler intends to leverage a size and strength advantage as he builds his MMA career.
Why it matters
- Sadulaev's wrestling pedigree makes him one of the most credentialed combat sports athletes to enter MMA in recent years
- The 97 kg weight class reference points to light heavyweight or a catchweight framing, which could shape early opponent selection
- His US debut under RAF puts the promotion in the spotlight and could draw significant crossover attention from wrestling and combat sports audiences
- The nod to Khabib's rhetoric immediately frames Sadulaev within the tradition of elite Russian-speaking wrestlers crossing into MMA
