Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo Rematch Headlines RAF12 on August 22

Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo are set to run it back, with their rematch confirmed as the main event of RAF12 on August 22. RAF Wrestling USA announced the bout, which puts two of bantamweight's most recognizable names back in the cage together.

Dvalishvili, nicknamed "The Machine," carries a 21-5 record and holds the number-one divisional ranking in bantamweight, as well as the number-two spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 35-year-old Georgian trains out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team and is among the most relentless wrestlers in the sport, averaging a remarkable 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also mixes in consistent output on the feet, landing 4.33 significant strikes per minute with a 42 percent striking accuracy rate.

Cejudo, known as "Triple C," comes in at 16-6 and is ranked ninth in the bantamweight division. The 39-year-old American, who trains with Fight Ready, is an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling and a former two-division UFC champion. He averages 3.82 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy and contributes 1.84 takedowns per 15 minutes of his own.

Why it matters

• Dvalishvili's pound-for-pound standing and top divisional ranking mean a strong performance by Cejudo could vault him back into title contention
• The wrestling-heavy styles of both men set up a compelling grappling chess match between two technically elite practitioners
• At 39, Cejudo faces a ticking clock on his competitive window, making every high-profile bout a significant statement opportunity
• The rematch framing suggests unfinished business between the two, adding an extra layer of stakes for bantamweight's divisional picture