The RAF Georgia event on July 11 will feature two high-profile grappling matchups: Abdulrashid Sadulaev against Gordon Ryan's teammate Bo Nickal-era successor Craig Snyder, and Merab Dvalishvili against Henry Cejudo.
Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo will clash at RAF Georgia on July 11, with Abdulrashid Sadulaev taking on Craig Snyder also confirmed for the card in a pair of marquee grappling matchups.
Dvalishvili enters the bout as one of the most dangerous competitors in the bantamweight division. The Georgian, now 35, carries a 21-5 record and holds the number-one ranking at 135 pounds, while also sitting second in the pound-for-pound standings. Known as "The Machine," Dvalishvili is relentless on the mat, averaging 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes to go with 4.33 significant strikes landed per minute. Fighting at home in Georgia adds another layer of significance to the contest.
Cejudo, nicknamed "Triple C," is no stranger to high-stakes competition despite being on the other side of his prime at 39. The American representing Fight Ready carries a 16-6 record and sits ninth in the bantamweight rankings. He lands 3.82 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy and adds 1.84 takedowns per 15 minutes to his arsenal, making him a well-rounded threat across all phases.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's number-one bantamweight ranking and pound-for-pound status means this bout carries major divisional weight
- A win for Cejudo over such a highly rated opponent would dramatically resurrect his ranking trajectory at 135 pounds
- The pairing of a pressure-heavy wrestling specialist against a seasoned Olympic-pedigree athlete creates a compelling stylistic test for both men
- The Sadulaev vs. Snyder grappling match on the same card gives the RAF Georgia event a stacked, high-profile feel across disciplines
