Real American Freestyle has locked in a five-year deal with Abu Dhabi to stage annual wrestling events at Etihad Arena. The inaugural card on November 14, 2026, will feature former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev in the main event, marking the promotion’s first event outside North America.
The Five-Year Abu Dhabi Agreement at Etihad Arena
Real American Freestyle is expanding its international footprint through a major five-year partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. The agreement establishes annual wrestling events at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, bringing high-profile combat sports directly to the emirate’s sports calendar.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry noted that the partnership reflects the emirate’s broader push to attract elite global sporting properties.
For the promotion’s leadership, the move realizes an initial goal to establish a presence in premier international markets.
Khamzat Chimaev Headlines the Nov. 14 Debut Card
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will headline the inaugural Abu Dhabi card in a main event appearance against an opponent to be announced later. The venue sits just minutes from Chimaev’s local residence, adding a distinct home-market advantage for the star.
“Abu Dhabi’s going to be crazy. Arena will be five minutes from me, from my house. So it will be cool for Abu Dhabi and wrestling. We started it to make it bigger, now I’m a part of this as well, so for me it’s a big thing.”
Khamzat Chimaev, UFC fighter
The debut event also marks the promotion’s first trip outside North America since launching its hybrid wrestling-MMA format in 2024. Alongside Chimaev, the card introduces the region’s first RAF Next Gen event, according to co-founder Chad Bronstein.
Star-Studded Roster Featuring UFC Stars and Wrestling Icons
The November 14 lineup extends well beyond the main event, pulling in elite crossover talent from the Ultimate Fighting Championship alongside decorated amateur wrestling legends. Current UFC standout Arman Tsarukyan is slated to compete on the card just weeks after squaring off against Dillon Danis in the main event of RAF 14 in Las Vegas on October 3.
Co-founder Izzy Martinez highlighted the cultural role wrestling plays in uniting international athletes across disciplines. They always say the international language is wrestling,
Martinez explained to MMA Fighting. A wrestler sees another wrestler, they immediately speak the same language.
- Khamzat Chimaev (Main Event)
- Arman Tsarukyan
- Henry Cejudo
- Jordan Burroughs
- Kyle Snyder
- Abdulrashid Sadulaev
Upcoming Las Vegas Card Precedes the Middle East Expansion
Before the promotion launches its multi-year residency at Etihad Arena, attention turns to Nevada. RAF 14 is scheduled for October 3 at the BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, Nevada.
That upcoming domestic card features several high-profile bouts, including Tsarukyan against Dillon Danis for the promotion’s crossover championship.
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