RAF Abu Dhabi: Tsarukyan to wrestle Neiman Gracie, Zabit meets Chikadze
Real American Freestyle has added to its 14 November card at Etihad Arena. Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington meet in the main event.
Graphic: TERRA WORLD NEWS (own graphic based on the sources listed)
UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan will face Neiman Gracie at Real American Freestyle's (RAF) first event in Abu Dhabi. According to Gulf News and The National, the bout on 14 November at Etihad Arena is a catchweight contest under freestyle wrestling rules. Gracie is a three-time world bronze medallist in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Tsarukyan, described by The National as the No. 1-ranked UFC lightweight contender, is 7-1 in RAF according to Gulf News. His only loss came in July, 5-3 to Colby Covington – who faces Khamzat Chimaev in the Abu Dhabi main event. Also newly booked: Zabit Magomedsharipov against former kickboxing champion Giga Chikadze at welterweight.
Kyle Dake defends his cruiserweight title against Alp Arslan Begenjov, and Kennedy Blades defends her women's middleweight title against Bella Mir, daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir. The event is part of a five-year partnership between RAF and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.