RAF 12: Fight Card, Date, Start Time, and Stream Info for Merab vs. Cejudo 2

If you needed any proof that Real American Freestyle is reshaping the combat sports landscape, look no further than RAF 12.

In just twelve months, RAF has transformed from an ambitious crossover experiment into a absolute juggernaut where Olympic wrestlers, freestyle icons, and elite UFC contenders meet on equal footing. Now, as the promotion rolls into Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, for its milestone one-year anniversary show, they are dropping what might be the most absurdly stacked wrestling card in modern history.

At Fight Artist, we have covered our fair share of big fight nights, but this one feels different. From a high-stakes trilogy match between two UFC icons to Olympic hero Gable Steveson stepping back onto the mat fresh off his UFC debut victory, RAF 12 is shaping up to be an unmissable spectacle.

Here is everything you need to know about the RAF 12 Schedule, Time, Date, Fight Card, and why this event is going to set the combat sports world ablaze.

Everything You Need to Know: RAF 12 Schedule, Time, Date

Before breaking down the matchups, let us get the logistics out of the way so you can lock in your viewing plans.

• Event Title: RAF 12: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo 2

• RAF 12 Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

• RAF 12 Time: Live broadcast starts at 8:00 PM EST

• Venue: Rocket Arena — Cleveland, Ohio

• Streaming Platform: FOX Nation / Real American Freestyle Live Stream

Mark your calendars now. The RAF 12 Schedule is structured to deliver back-to-back action, starting with high-energy preliminary freestyle bouts and crescendoing into a main card packed with title matches and high-profile rivalry fights.

Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo 2

When Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo first met in the Octagon at UFC 298, “The Machine” overwhelmed the former double-champion with relentless pacing. But when they transitioned to freestyle wrestling at RAF Georgia, Cejudo was supposed to have the natural upper hand. After all, Cejudo isn’t just an MMA champion—he is a 2008 Olympic Freestyle Gold Medalist.

What happened next in Tbilisi was instant combat sports history.

Cejudo stormed out to a commanding 8–0 lead, looking every bit like the Olympic legend who controlled the mats for over a decade. But Dvalishvili doesn’t abide by standard fatigue metrics. Merab mounted a furious late comeback, pushing a pace that eventually cracked Cejudo’s defenses and snatched a stunning decision victory in front of his home crowd.

Now, the rematch is locked in for RAF 12, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Inaugural RAF Lightweight Crossover Championship

This isn’t just a grudge match or an exhibition—the winner will be crowned the inaugural RAF Lightweight Crossover Champion.

For Cejudo, this fight is deeply personal. “Triple C” candidly admitted after their last meeting that losing in his native discipline stung. He comes into Cleveland with a massive chip on his shoulder, determined to prove that his early dominant run in Georgia wasn’t a fluke and that his technique can conquer Merab’s legendary cardio tank.

For Merab, winning this belt solidifies him as one of the most dangerous, adaptable athletes in combat sports today. His ability to blend continuous pressure with explosive double-legs makes him a nightmare matchup on the wrestling mat, even against an Olympic hero. Expect absolute fireworks from the moment the whistle blows.

Gable Steveson Returns to the Mat Post-UFC Debut Win

If Merab vs. Cejudo 2 is the headliner, Gable Steveson’s return to freestyle wrestling is the crown jewel of the card.

Steveson, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Gold Medalist and NCAA phenom, recently made headlines across the sports world by transitioning to mixed martial arts and securing a decisive victory in his debut. But true wrestling purists know that whenever Gable steps onto a wrestling mat, magic happens.

At RAF 12, Gable Steveson takes on familiar domestic rival Tony Cassioppi in a heavyweight showdown that promises raw athletic dominance.

Why Gable’s Return Matters for RAF

Steveson’s appearance on the RAF 12 Fight Card bridges the gap between top-tier freestyle wrestling and high-octane entertainment. Coming off a victorious MMA debut, Gable brings newfound striking awareness, cage control, and conditioning back to his home turf.

Cassioppi is as tough and gritty as heavyweights come, possessing the size and mat wrestling to test anyone. But Gable’s combination of agility, heavyweight power, and cat-like speed makes every single one of his matches must-watch television. Seeing him flow on the mat again post-UFC debut is going to be electric for die-hard wrestling aficionados and casual fans alike.

The Co-Main & Feature Fights: An Absolute Card Super-Load

Calling the RAF 12 Fight Card “stacked” is almost an understatement. The promotion has pulled out all the stops for its anniversary show, filling every slot with marquee talent, collegiate legends, and current UFC stars.

Jordan Burroughs vs. Sean Brady

In a crossover matchup that has the entire combat sports community talking, all-time wrestling GOAT Jordan Burroughs square off against UFC welterweight contender Sean Brady.

• The Dynamic: Burroughs is a 6-time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist renowned for having the best double-leg takedown in wrestling history. Brady, on the other hand, is a master grappling grinder in the UFC with a elite submission game. Watching how Brady attempts to handle Burroughs’ explosive level changes on the freestyle mat will be a fascinating technical study.

Bo Nickal vs. Max McEnelly

Three-time NCAA Division I Champion Bo Nickal makes his return to the mats against rising star Max McEnelly in a light heavyweight clash. Nickal’s unorthodox pinned-from-anywhere style made him a legend at Penn State before his rapid rise in the UFC middleweight division. McEnelly represents the new generation of wrestling talent eager to make a statement against an established phenom.

Tyron Woodley vs. Joaquin Buckley

St. Louis brotherhood takes a backseat as former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley takes on explosive UFC contender Joaquin Buckley in a Cruiserweight bout. Woodley, an All-American wrestler out of Missouri, brings veteran strength and positional mastery against Buckley’s sheer power and athleticism.

Evan Wick vs. Jason Nolf (RAF Middleweight Championship)

For pure wrestling purists, this match could easily steal the show. Former Penn State standout and freestyle maestro Jason Nolf battles technical wizard Evan Wick with the vacant RAF Middleweight Championship on the line. Expect high-level scramble sequences, innovative counters, and relentless attacks.

The Full RAF 12 Fight Card at a Glance

Here is how the complete RAF 12 Fight Card shapes up for August 22 in Cleveland:

Why RAF 12 is a Must-Watch Event for Fight Fans

What makes Real American Freestyle so compelling is how seamlessly it merges the technique of world-class wrestling with the drama and star power of mixed martial arts.

At RAF 12, we aren’t just getting exhibition matches—we are watching legitimate rivalries unfold in high-stakes environments.

• Can Henry Cejudo make the adjustments needed to stop Merab’s motor?

• How will Gable Steveson look back on the mat after testing the MMA waters?

• Can UFC stars like Sean Brady and Joaquin Buckley hold their own on the mat against pure freestyle elites?

The answers will all reveal themselves in Cleveland.

Make sure to tune in on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST to catch all the live action on FOX Nation. Stay tuned right here at Fight Artist for post-fight breakdowns, reaction interviews, and complete mat coverage!