Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev will make his MMA debut with RAF promotion in the United States within the next few months. When asked about potential opponents including Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar, Sadulaev reportedly nodded in acknowledgment. He referenced Khabib Nurmagomedov's famous quote, saying his opponent could be "King Kong" as long as they make 97 kg (approximately 213 pounds). The weight class requirement suggests Sadulaev is positioning himself strategically for his transition to MMA. Sadulaev is widely considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time.
Abdulrashid Sadulaev, widely regarded as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers in history, is set to make his MMA debut with the RAF promotion in the United States within the coming months, according to reports emerging in late April 2026.
The Russian wrestler, a multiple-time Olympic champion and dominant force on the international freestyle circuit, has long been discussed as a potential crossover athlete given his elite grappling credentials. His transition to MMA under the RAF banner marks a significant moment, bringing one of combat sports' most decorated amateurs into the professional fight game.
When asked about possible opponents for his debut, Sadulaev reportedly acknowledged names including Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar, though no specific matchup has been confirmed. His response to the question of who he would face echoed a now-famous line associated with Khabib Nurmagomedov, with Sadulaev indicating his opponent could be anyone — "King Kong" included — so long as they compete at 97 kilograms, approximately 213 pounds. That weight requirement signals a deliberate and calculated approach to his MMA positioning rather than a straightforward jump to heavyweight.
Why it matters
- Sadulaev's amateur wrestling pedigree is among the strongest ever seen in an MMA prospect, raising immediate expectations for his ground game
- The 97-kilogram weight specification places him outside traditional UFC heavyweight territory, suggesting RAF may be operating with its own weight class structure
- Name-drops of Jones and Lesnar, even in passing, indicate the promotion is aiming for marquee matchups from the outset
- A United States debut signals RAF's intent to compete for mainstream North American MMA attention
