Merab Dvalishvili’s Incredible Comeback: Highlights from the Historic RAF Georgia Event

Combat sports fans witnessed a masterclass in resilience and technique this past Saturday at the Tbilisi Sports Palace. The inaugural RAF Georgia event, the first of its kind held outside the United States, delivered high-octane drama, headlined by a clash between two mixed martial arts legends: Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo.

The Main Event: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo

The match between Merab Dvalishvili and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo was nothing short of a rollercoaster. From the opening whistle, Cejudo exerted his dominance, utilizing a high gut-wrench to build a seemingly insurmountable 8-0 lead. For most, the match appeared decided, as Cejudo was just one takedown away from securing a technical fall victory.

However, if there is one thing known about “The Machine,” it is his indomitable spirit. Backed by a roaring home crowd in Georgia, Dvalishvili began a relentless assault in the second period. His pressure started to wear Cejudo down, leading to a series of strategic takedowns and a shot clock advantage that shifted the momentum entirely.

In a breathtaking turnaround, Dvalishvili surged ahead to lead 9-8 and eventually sealed the victory with a thrilling 11-8 win. This marks the second time Dvalishvili has defeated Cejudo, following their previous encounter in the UFC two years ago.

“I am so happy and I make my people proud. I was feeling fine, cool, no stress. But Henry is an Olympic champion, smart, and a wrestler,” said Dvalishvili after the match.

Championship Gold and Heavy-Hitting Results

While the main event stole the spotlight, the rest of the card featured some of the most decorated athletes in the world. The RAF Georgia event was a showcase of elite wrestling and combat prowess:

• Light Heavyweight Title: Kyle Snyder proved why he is a titan of the sport, defeating two-time Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev via pinfall to retain his belt.
• Cruiserweight Title: Kyle Dake showcased incredible grit, overcoming a significant head injury to defeat Vladimeri Gamkrelidze on points (2-0).
• Women’s Bantamweight Title: Helen Maroulis maintained her dominance, securing a pinfall victory over Anhelina Lysak.

The Dominance of Arman Tsarukyan

Another standout performance came from Arman Tsarukyan, one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC. Tsarukyan delivered a technical fall masterclass, defeating Kuat Khamitov 11-0. This victory extends his 2026 RAF record to a perfect 7-0, setting the stage for his highly anticipated clash against Colby Covington in Milwaukee on July 18.

Full Event Results Summary

RAF Georgia proved that the appetite for high-level wrestling and combat sports is global. With athletes like Merab Dvalishvili proving their mental toughness on the big stage, the future of these cross-discipline events looks brighter than ever.