Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo sat down for a friendly lunch on July 10, 2026, just days before their RAF Wrestling rematch in Tbilisi, turning a once‑bitter feud into a public display of respect.
What sparked the pre‑match gathering?
The two former UFC bantamweight champions met at a private event alongside two‑time NBA champion Zaza Pachulia. Dvalishvili offered Cejudo a glass of Georgian wine, a gesture that contrasted sharply with the heated exchanges that marked their 2023 UFC bout and Cejudo’s earlier clash with Aljamain Sterling. The lunch was organized by RAF officials to promote a sports‑friendly atmosphere for the main event.
How does the RAF rematch differ from their UFC history?
In the UFC, Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure earned him a decision win over Cejudo, a result that fueled a bitter rivalry. This time, the fight will take place on a wrestling mat under the RAF banner, not an octagon. Cejudo traveled from the United States to Dvalishvili’s native Georgia to test his Olympic gold‑medalist grappling against the Georgian’s mixed‑martial‑arts conditioning. The bout is set for a 12 pm Eastern start, accommodating the European venue and an expected crowd of over 8,000.
Why does the meeting matter for Dvalishvili’s legacy?
Dvalishvili’s 2025 run saw him defend his UFC title a record four times, a feat that still sparks debate about his place among bantamweight greats. By stepping onto a wrestling platform, he shows versatility beyond MMA, reinforcing the narrative that his skill set transcends a single combat sport. A strong showing could cement his reputation as a cross‑disciplinary athlete, especially as he faces Olympic‑level talent like Kyle Snyder on the same card.
What’s next after the RAF event?
The RAF debut in Georgia is just the beginning of a broader European expansion for the promotion. Dvalishvili and Cejudo are slated to appear on future RAF cards, potentially in mixed‑rules bouts that blend striking and grappling. Their newfound camaraderie may also open doors for joint promotional tours, leveraging their UFC fame to draw new audiences to wrestling. Fans will watch closely to see if the friendly toast turns into a decisive victory for either fighter.
How did the participants react publicly?
During the lunch, Dvalishvili told reporters, “You are my guest, you are from God. We are opponents now, but today we are friends.” Cejudo laughed, replying that there would be “no killing today,” to which Dvalishvili added, “Not today, next time we will be really, really friendly after the match.” Their banter highlighted a mutual desire to let the sport speak louder than past grievances.