Merab Dvalishvili and Marlon Moraes set for Abu Dhabi rematch at Real American Freestyle (RAF)

Two UFC rivals are heading back into battle, but this time, they're swapping the Octagon for the wrestling mat.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will take on Brazilian MMA star Marlon Moraes at Real American Freestyle (RAF) Abu Dhabi, which makes its Middle East debut at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, 14 November.

The newly announced Catchweight Crossover contest adds another big name matchup to an already impressive line-up, which includes Khamzat Chimaev, Colby Covington, and several other familiar faces from the world of combat sports.

For those who follow the UFC, Dvalishvili and Moraes have history. The pair previously met at UFC 266 in September 2021, when Georgian fighter Dvalishvili secured a second-round TKO victory. Five years later, they're meeting again, although the rules will be very different.

Nicknamed 'The Machine', Dvalishvili has already made his mark in RAF, winning two of his three appearances. His debut in May saw him defeat UFC legend Frankie Edgar 12–1, before he pulled off a remarkable comeback against Olympic gold medallist Henry Cejudo in July. Trailing 8–0, he fought back to win 11–8.

Moraes, meanwhile, will be making his RAF debut in Abu Dhabi. The former World Series of Fighting bantamweight champion and UFC title challenger brings plenty of experience, having successfully defended his WSOF title five times.

Who else is fighting at RAF Abu Dhabi?

The event is shaping up to be quite the night for combat sports fans, with Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington headlining the card in a Cruiserweight Crossover Championship showdown.

Also confirmed are Arman Tsarukyan, Neiman Gracie, Umar Nurmagomedov, Urijah Faber, Olympic wrestling champion Kyle Snyder, and former UFC champion Julianna Peña.

Unlike traditional UFC events, RAF focuses on competitive freestyle wrestling rather than mixed martial arts, bringing together Olympic wrestlers, world champions, and MMA fighters in a different format. So, while some of the names will be familiar, fans can expect a different type of contest.

The Abu Dhabi event also marks the beginning of a five-year partnership between Real American Freestyle, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and the UAE Wrestling Federation, bringing another major sporting event to the capital.

How to get tickets for RAF Abu Dhabi

Tickets are already on sale, starting from AED 95. There's also a special offer for groups, with four Category 5 tickets available for AED 450, meaning you get four for the price of three.

When: Saturday, 14 Novembeur 2026

Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Tickets: From AED 95, available via Ticketmaster UAE and Etihad Arena.

For wrestling and MMA fans, it's another date worth adding to the Abu Dhabi sporting calendar.