Henry Cejudo Gets Revenge With Stunning 36-Second Win Over Merab Dvalishvili at RAF 12 🔥

Henry Cejudo Gets Revenge With Stunning 36-Second Win Over Merab Dvalishvili at RAF 12 Henry Cejudo has evened the score with Merab Dvalishvili in spectacular fashion. The former UFC two-division champion and Olympic gold medalist needed just 36 seconds to defeat Dvalishvili in their highly anticipated rematch at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 12 in Cleveland, Ohio. After suffering a dramatic comeback defeat in their first RAF wrestling match, Cejudo returned with a completely different result the second time around. This time, there was no opportunity for Merab to mount a comeback. Cejudo secured an early takedown, took control of the position and pinned Dvalishvili's shoulders to the mat to claim victory and the RAF Lightweight Crossover Championship. A Rivalry With a Long History Henry Cejudo and Merab Dvalishvili have shared a fascinating rivalry across multiple combat-sports platforms. Their history began in the UFC, where Dvalishvili defeated Cejudo by unanimous decision at UFC 298 in February 2024. The result was a major victory for Merab and helped establish him as one of the leading fighters in the bantamweight division. But their rivalry did not end inside the UFC Octagon. In 2026, the two competitors met again under the Real American Freestyle wrestling banner. Their first RAF meeting took place in Georgia, where Cejudo initially appeared to be in complete control. The Olympic wrestling champion built an 8-0 lead, using his elite wrestling experience to dominate the early stages of the match. However, Dvalishvili produced an incredible comeback, scoring 11 unanswered points to win the contest 11-8. That victory gave Merab another memorable win over Cejudo. But Cejudo clearly wasn't finished with the rivalry. RAF 12: The Rematch The rematch was officially booked as the main event of RAF 12 in Cleveland. Unlike their first wrestling meeting, which developed into a dramatic comeback story, the second encounter was finished almost immediately. Cejudo came out aggressively and attacked early. According to reports from the event, Cejudo shot for a single-leg takedown within the opening moments of the match. His Olympic-level wrestling immediately became the difference. Cejudo completed the takedown, scored points and continued attacking from the top position. Within seconds, he secured control of Dvalishvili and forced both shoulders to the mat. The result was a stunning pinfall victory. Henry Cejudo defeated Merab Dvalishvili in just 36 seconds. The Fastest Revenge Possible For Cejudo, the victory represented far more than simply winning another wrestling match. The former Olympic champion had experienced a painful defeat in their previous RAF encounter. After building a huge 8-0 advantage, watching Merab fight back and win was undoubtedly a frustrating moment. This time, Cejudo left absolutely no room for another comeback. His strategy was clear: attack early, establish control and finish the match before Merab could build momentum. It worked perfectly. The victory demonstrated why Cejudo remains one of the most accomplished combat-sports athletes of his generation. Before becoming a UFC champion in two divisions, Cejudo was already an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling. His background gave him a technical advantage in the RAF environment, and at RAF 12, he showed exactly how dangerous he can be when his wrestling is sharp. Cejudo Captures the RAF Crossover Championship The victory also came with championship success. By defeating Dvalishvili, Cejudo captured the RAF Lightweight Crossover Championship. The crossover titles were created as part of RAF's growing format for MMA athletes entering the promotion's wrestling competition. They allow major MMA names to compete against one another while the promotion also continues featuring elite career wrestlers in its traditional championship structure. For Cejudo, winning the title added another achievement to a remarkable combat-sports résumé. Olympic gold medal. UFC flyweight champion. UFC bantamweight champion. And now, RAF Crossover champion. Merab Dvalishvili Shows Respect After the Loss Despite the disappointing defeat, Dvalishvili reportedly showed respect to Cejudo after the match. Merab acknowledged Cejudo's wrestling credentials and expressed interest in a potential trilogy match under the RAF rules. That possibility could make their rivalry even more interesting. At the moment, the broader combat-sports series between the two men has produced several memorable chapters. - UFC 298: Merab defeated Cejudo by unanimous decision. - RAF Georgia: Merab completed an incredible comeback to defeat Cejudo 11-8. - RAF 12: Cejudo pinned Merab in 36 seconds. The RAF rivalry is now tied at one win each, creating the possibility of a future trilogy match. Is a Trilogy Fight Next? A third RAF wrestling match between Cejudo and Dvalishvili would certainly attract significant attention. The first match was a dramatic comeback victory for Merab. The second was an incredibly fast and dominant win for Cejudo. A trilogy would provide an opportunity to determine who has the upper hand under RAF's wrestling rules. However, both fighters already have major commitments ahead. Reports indicate that Dvalishvili is preparing for another major UFC appearance, while Cejudo is also scheduled to compete in boxing. That means a trilogy may have to wait. Still, the interest is clearly there. Both fighters are highly competitive, and neither appears ready to walk away from the rivalry without another chapter. Why This Win Was Important for Cejudo For Henry Cejudo, the RAF 12 victory was a reminder of his extraordinary wrestling pedigree. Cejudo's career has taken him through several different sports and weight classes. He has competed at the Olympic level, won UFC championships and now continues to challenge himself in crossover competition. At RAF 12, he returned to the sport that first made him famous. And he delivered one of the fastest and most impressive performances of the event. The 36-second victory was also a statement that Cejudo's wrestling skills remain dangerous against elite MMA athletes. Dvalishvili is known for his incredible pace, pressure and grappling ability. Yet Cejudo was able to take control almost immediately. What Happens Next? The immediate future remains busy for both fighters. Cejudo has already spoken about potential future challenges, while Dvalishvili continues focusing on his own major combat-sports schedule. But one thing is certain: the rivalry between Henry Cejudo and Merab Dvalishvili is far from forgotten. The first RAF match belonged to Merab. The second belonged completely to Cejudo. And now the question remains: Will fans get to see Cejudo vs. Dvalishvili III? Final Thoughts Henry Cejudo came into RAF 12 looking for revenge. He didn't just win. He made a statement. After losing their previous RAF encounter despite building an 8-0 lead, Cejudo returned more prepared and more determined. His elite wrestling was on full display as he secured the takedown and finished the match with a pin in only 36 seconds. For Merab Dvalishvili, the loss was a rare setback in their wrestling rivalry. For Cejudo, it was redemption. And for fans, it may have created the perfect setup for a trilogy. Henry Cejudo vs. Merab Dvalishvili is now tied in RAF competition—and after a 36-second statement victory, “Triple C” has officially brought the rivalry back to life. 🏆🔥