Sadulayev vs. Snyder and Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo Set for RAF Georgia on July 11

RAF Georgia on July 11 will feature two marquee matchups, with Merab Dvalishvili squaring off against Henry Cejudo at bantamweight and a separate bout between Sadulayev and Gordon Ryan's training partner Kyle Snyder also confirmed for the card.

Dvalishvili enters the fight as the number-one-ranked bantamweight in the world and sits second on the pound-for-pound rankings. The 35-year-old Georgian carries a 21-5 record and fights out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team. Known above all for his relentless wrestling, "The Machine" averages a remarkable 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes, and he pushes that pressure with a striking output of 4.33 significant strikes landed per minute. Standing five-foot-six with a 68-inch reach, Dvalishvili has built his reputation on suffocating, pace-heavy performances.

Across from him stands Henry Cejudo, the 39-year-old American nicknamed "Triple C" who trains with Fight Ready and currently holds the number-nine spot in the bantamweight division. Cejudo holds a 16-6 record and brings an Olympic wrestling pedigree to every fight. He lands 3.82 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy and averages 1.84 takedowns per 15 minutes. At five-foot-four with a 64-inch reach, he will carry distinct physical disadvantages into the contest.

Why it matters

• Dvalishvili is the division's top-ranked contender, making any loss potentially devastating to a title run while a win keeps his case for a championship shot intact.
• Cejudo, ranked ninth, faces a steep climb against the most active wrestler in the division; a victory would dramatically revive his standing in the weight class.
• The style matchup pits two wrestlers against each other, with Dvalishvili holding a significant edge in takedown volume and overall pace.
• The event takes place in Dvalishvili's home country of Georgia, adding considerable atmosphere to an already high-stakes pairing.