Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev is set to make his MMA debut in the RAF promotion in the United States within the next several months. When asked about potential opponents including Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar, Sadulaev reportedly nodded affirmatively. He stated he is ready to face any opponent, echoing Khabib Nurmagomedov's famous words about fighting King Kong as long as the opponent makes 97 kg (approximately 213 pounds). The post suggests Sadulaev is open to high-profile matchups but requires opponents to meet his weight requirement.
Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev is set to make his professional MMA debut under the RAF promotion in the United States within the next several months, marking a significant transition from the mat to the cage for one of the sport's most decorated grapplers.
Sadulaev has generated immediate buzz around potential high-profile matchups. When asked specifically about facing Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar, he reportedly nodded affirmatively, adding that he is prepared to fight anyone — invoking Khabib Nurmagomedov's well-known line about being willing to face King Kong, provided the opponent can make 97 kilograms, roughly 213 pounds.
Jon Jones, 38, carries a professional MMA record of 28-1-0 and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished heavyweights in the sport. The six-foot-four orthodox fighter boasts an 84-inch reach and lands 4.38 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Brock Lesnar, now 48, holds a 5-3-0 professional record and last competed under the Team Death Clutch banner. The six-foot-three American stands with an orthodox stance and an 81-inch reach. His 72 percent striking accuracy is a standout figure, and he averages 3.9 takedowns per 15 minutes — a reflection of the wrestling-heavy style that defined his MMA career.
Why it matters
- Sadulaev's elite wrestling pedigree immediately makes him a credible threat in any heavyweight MMA context
- A matchup with Jones or Lesnar would carry significant mainstream appeal given both men's name recognition
- The 97-kilogram weight requirement could complicate or shape negotiations with larger heavyweight opponents
- RAF's ability to land Sadulaev signals growing ambition for the promotion on the US market
