What's Happening?
Henry Cejudo, a former UFC two-division champion and 2008 Olympic gold medalist, is set to return to his wrestling roots by headlining the Real American Freestyle 6 event. This marks Cejudo's first wrestling match since April 2015. The event is scheduled for February 28 at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, and will be streamed on FOX Nation. Cejudo, who recently announced his retirement from MMA following a unanimous decision loss to Payton Talbott at UFC 323, has not yet revealed his opponent for the upcoming wrestling match. The Real American Freestyle (RAF) organization, which launched in April 2025, has been known for featuring notable MMA fighters in its events.
Why It's Important?
Cejudo's return to wrestling is significant as it highlights the crossover appeal
between MMA and wrestling, two sports with shared skills and fan bases. His participation in the Real American Freestyle 6 event could draw attention to the relatively new RAF organization, potentially increasing its viewership and popularity. For Cejudo, this move represents a shift in his athletic career, allowing him to leverage his wrestling background while stepping away from the octagon. This development may also inspire other retired or semi-retired MMA fighters to explore opportunities in wrestling, thereby broadening their career prospects and maintaining their presence in the sports world.
What's Next?
As Cejudo prepares for his wrestling match, the focus will be on his training and adaptation to the wrestling format after years in MMA. The announcement of his opponent will likely generate further interest and speculation about the match's outcome. Additionally, the success of this event could influence RAF's future, potentially leading to more events featuring high-profile athletes from various combat sports. Stakeholders in the sports industry, including promoters and broadcasters, will be watching closely to assess the commercial viability of such crossover events.
