Ray Lewis, one of the all-time great NFL linebackers, may end up putting the wrestling shoes back on for Real American Freestyle.
RAF co-founders Chad Bronstein and Izzy Martinez told MMA Fighting on Wednesday that discussions are ongoing to have Ray Lewis compete for the promotion before the end of 2026. While a deal is not done, things are trending in a positive direction.
According to Bronstein and Martinez, former UFC welterweight champion and two-time RAF competitor Tyron Woodley is helping to facilitate
the deal.
The two-time defensive player of the year for the Baltimore Ravens was a state champion wrestler for Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Fla., accomplishing the feat in the 189-pound weight class in 1993. Lewis often discussed how wrestling helped him immensely with his ability to play defense on the gridiron. Lewis ended his football career in 2013, winning a Super Bowl with the Ravens in his final game with a victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
RAF continues their breakout 2026 campaign on Friday with RAF 13 in Miami, with Colby Covington facing Belal Muhammad in the main event, while Khamzat Chimaev faces Gilbert Burns in the co-main event.
