Frankie Edgar Faces Meran Dvalishvili in RAF Wrestling Bout

Frankie Edgar, the former UFC lightweight champion, will step back onto the mat to wrestle UFC bantamweight contender Meran Dvalishvili at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 09 on May 30 2024. The bout marks Edgar’s first freestyle wrestling competition in 22 years and pits his collegiate wrestling background against Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and grappling skill【1】.

Key takeaways

• Edgar announced his return to competition through RAF, citing a desire for a six‑minute, non‑striking format【1】.
• The match will take place on May 30 2024 at RAF 09, with both athletes listed as similar‑sized competitors【1】.
• Dvalishvili is a UFC bantamweight champion known for a high‑tempo style and a record number of takedowns in the promotion【2】.

Edgar’s motivation and preparation for RAF

In an exclusive interview, Edgar explained that the prospect of competing in New Jersey and the reduced risk of head trauma were key factors in his decision to join RAF【1】. He highlighted the intensity of a six‑minute wrestling match, noting it can feel “greater than a 25‑minute fight,” and expressed enthusiasm about potentially stringing together multiple RAF bouts over the coming years【1】. Edgar also reflected on his NCAA Division I wrestling experience at Clarion University, describing it as a valuable learning period that prepared him for this return to the mat【1】.

Dvalishvili’s UFC pedigree and fighting style

Meran Dvalishvili, born in Georgia in 1991, has built a reputation in the UFC as one of the sport’s most relentless bantamweights, holding the record for most total takedowns in UFC history【2】. His fighting style is characterized by exceptional cardiovascular endurance, a high‑pace grappling approach, and a willingness to attack from the clinch and open space with varied techniques【2】. While his MMA résumé includes victories over former champions such as José Aldo and Petr Yan, his transition to a pure freestyle wrestling setting will test how his relentless pressure translates without strikes【2】.

Why it matters

The matchup offers a rare cross‑disciplinary showdown: a former UFC champion returning to his wrestling roots against a current UFC titleholder known for his grappling intensity. For Edgar, the bout represents a low‑risk avenue to stay active in combat sports while avoiding the head trauma associated with MMA. For Dvalishvili, the contest provides an opportunity to showcase his wrestling dominance on a platform that emphasizes pure grappling. The outcome could influence both athletes’ future competition plans—Edgar may pursue additional RAF events if the experience proves enjoyable, while Dvalishvili’s performance could affect his standing in the UFC’s bantamweight division.

No source confirms a broken‑nose injury for Dvalishvili during this match; such details are not covered in the available reports.