Wrestling league RAF is coming to Abu Dhabi with Khamzat Chimaev

Abu Dhabi is getting a new addition to its sporting calendar, with Real American Freestyle (RAF) set to make its Middle East debut at Etihad Arena on Saturday, November 14. The wrestling league has announced a five-year partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the UAE Wrestling Federation, bringing a run of RAF events to the capital. Leading the inaugural Abu Dhabi event will be global combat sports star Khamzat Chimaev, who will headline the night in front of a home crowd. His opponent is yet to be announced, with further matchups expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. A post shared by Real American Freestyle (@rafwrestlingusa) Chimaev isn’t the only big name on the card. Wrestling and combat sports stars including Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev are also set to compete, although their opponents are yet to be confirmed. Chimaev, a naturalised UAE citizen who represents the country internationally, has become one of RAF’s headline names since joining the league. RAF Abu Dhabi will be the league’s third international event in its first year, following events in Tbilisi, Georgia and Moscow, Russia. The league recently returned to Cleveland for RAF12, marking its first anniversary and its biggest event to date. Fans can register their interest now at VisitAbuDhabi.ae for the chance to secure tickets when they go on sale.