Overview
- RAF 12 took place at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Aug. 22, 2026, and was broadcast live on FOX Nation with Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo fighting for the promotion’s inaugural lightweight crossover title.
- Dvalishvili entered the rematch after mounting an 8-0 comeback to beat Cejudo at RAF Georgia in July and after their 2024 UFC meeting, giving the match a sustained rivalry narrative.
- Cejudo publicly said the Georgia loss “humbled” him and that he adjusted his training and preparation for the Cleveland rematch, framing the bout as a chance for personal redemption.
- The anniversary card featured multiple crossover draws — including Jordan Burroughs vs. Sean Brady, Olympic champion Gable Steveson, Bo Nickal and three other RAF titles on the line — and drew live round-by-round coverage from major wrestling and MMA outlets.
- RAF’s use of high-profile MMA and Olympic names is sharpening its identity as a crossover platform and could boost broadcast reach and athlete visibility while complicating fighters’ scheduling as some juggle RAF appearances and UFC plans.