Overview
- Real American Freestyle, which announced the multi-match signing Wednesday, is targeting a May 30 RAF 9 debut in Dallas according to multiple outlets, though the Associated Press lists the debut as May with the site still to be determined.
- Gable Steveson, 25, is a Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA champion who has started his MMA career 3-0 with all first-round finishes after training with former UFC champion Jon Jones.
- Steveson’s opponent for RAF 9 has not been named, and RAF CEO Chad Bronstein called him a once-in-a-generation talent in welcoming him to the promotion.
- The agreement is described as compatible with his MMA plans because RAF features active UFC fighters, which keeps a future move to the UFC in play.
- The signing also sets up a possible rematch with Wyatt Hendrickson, who upset Steveson in the 2025 NCAA final and now holds RAF’s heavyweight title, as RAF markets itself as a fast-growing pro freestyle league with eight-figure revenue and large social reach.