Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev will make his Real American Freestyle debut within the next few months at an event in the United States. Sadulaev has stated he is prepared to face any opponent, with the journalist mentioning he was asked about potential matchups with Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar, to which Sadulaev nodded affirmatively. However, Sadulaev added a condition, echoing Khabib Nurmagomedov's famous words: "Let it be King Kong, just let him make 97 kg." The weight stipulation suggests Sadulaev wants to compete at or near his natural weight class. The specific event date and opponent have not yet been announced.
Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev is set to make his Real American Freestyle debut on American soil within the coming months, though a specific event date and opponent have yet to be announced.
Sadulaev, widely regarded as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers in history, will compete at the 97-kilogram weight class for his RAF entry. The Russian champion made clear he has no preference when it comes to opposition, signaling an openness to face whoever steps forward at that weight. When asked by a journalist about potential matchups with high-profile names including Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar, Sadulaev nodded affirmatively, indicating neither name gives him pause.
His one firm condition, however, is the scale. Borrowing language made famous by Khabib Nurmagomedov, Sadulaev put it simply: let it be King Kong, just let him make 97 kg. The stipulation underscores that Sadulaev intends to compete at or near his natural weight and will not be chasing catchweight arrangements to accommodate a bigger opponent.
Why it matters
- Sadulaev's RAF debut is a significant moment for the promotion, bringing one of the sport's most decorated amateur champions into the professional freestyle wrestling landscape.
- The 97 kg weight requirement immediately narrows the realistic opponent pool, ruling out anyone unwilling or unable to reach that mark.
- A potential matchup with a combat sports crossover name like Jones or Lesnar would carry enormous mainstream attention, though no opponent is confirmed.
- The event location being somewhere in the United States signals RAF's intent to build its profile in the American market.
