The Mat is Calling: Real American Freestyle Brings RAF 11 to Milwaukee
Combat sports fans, mark your calendars! A new era of athletic competition is arriving at the UWM Panther Arena on July 18. Real American Freestyle (RAF) is bringing its high-octane, unscripted professional wrestling experience to Milwaukee for the very first time with the highly anticipated RAF 11.
What Exactly is Real American Freestyle?
If you’re wondering whether this is another scripted spectacle, think again. Launched in April 2025, Real American Freestyle is designed to bridge the gap between amateur wrestling and professional stardom. While it shares some production polish and management ties with legacy wrestling organizations, RAF is completely unscripted.
The goal is simple: provide a professional venue where freestyle wrestlers can earn a living and build their brands, much like the stars of MMA, but trading the octagon for the mat. Founded by a powerhouse team including the late Hulk Hogan, CEO Chad Bronstein, COO Izzy Martinez, and Chief Media Officer Eric Bischoff, RAF is redefining the sport.
Main Event Madness: Tsarukyan vs. Covington
The star power for RAF 11 is undeniable. The event features a massive crossover from the MMA world, headlined by a clash of titans. The co-main event features a catchweight championship match between Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington. This battle promises to be a technical masterclass of grappling and intensity that will leave the Milwaukee crowd breathless.
The Emotional Return of Ben Askren
One of the most inspiring stories of the night will be the return of Ben Askren. The 41-year-old wrestling legend and former Bellator champion is stepping back onto the mat after undergoing a double lung transplant last June. Askren, a decorated NCAA champion and Olympian, will face off against Belal Muhammad in a cruiserweight showdown that is as much about resilience as it is about competition.
Local Talent and Rising Stars
RAF 11 isn’t just about the global stars; it’s also showcasing elite regional talent. Wisconsin native Keegan O’Toole, a powerhouse with two NCAA championships under his belt, will take on Nebraska’s silver medalist Chris Minto. This match highlights the deep pipeline of talent from college ranks to the professional RAF roster, which currently boasts 150 athletes.
Event Details & How to Watch
Don’t miss a second of the action. Here is everything you need to know to catch RAF 11:
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- Date: Saturday, July 18
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Venue: UWM Panther Arena, Milwaukee
- Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster, starting at $66
- Streaming: The event will be available on Fox Nation
With 10 men’s matches and two women’s bouts scheduled, RAF 11 is set to be an unforgettable night of raw athleticism and professional competition. Whether you are a die-hard wrestling fan or an MMA enthusiast, this is an event you cannot afford to miss!
