End of the rivalry? UFC legends Merab and Cejudo complete a trilogy after an epic rematch

Promotional poster for the RAF: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo . Photo: Reproduction/X/Real American Freestyle

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The rivalry between Henry Cejudo and Merab Dvalishvili will have another chapter, and possibly its last. The UFC legends will face each other for the third time in their careers in the main event of RAF 12, a wrestling event scheduled to take place on August 22nd in Cleveland (USA). The organization itself announced the important fight.

It's worth noting that this will be the second time the former UFC bantamweight champions (up to 61,2 kg) will face each other at RAF. In July, in Georgia, the veterans put on a real battle, which has already become a classic in the organization.

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At the time, the Georgian was losing 8-0 to Cejudo, but he didn't let it get to him and staged an unbelievable comeback. Fighting at home, Merab recovered and defeated the American 11-8. In their first fight, held in the UFC in 2024, 'The Machine' also won by unanimous decision.

Cejudo and Merab fighters in MMA

Henry Cejudo , 39, is a legend in combat sports. At his peak, the American won the gold medal in wrestling at the Beijing Olympics (China) in 2008, and in the UFC, he was champion in the flyweight (up to 57 kg) and bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) divisions.

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In MMA, 'Triple C' built a record of 16 wins and six losses. His main victories were over Demetrious Johnson , Dominick Cruz , Marlon Moraes , Sergio Pettis, and TJ Dillashaw.

Merab Dvalishvili , 35, is one of the best bantamweight fighters in history and a legend of MMA. The Georgian began his career in the sport in 2014, debuted in the UFC in 2017 and, as champion, defended the title three times. Currently, 'The Machine' is ranked number one in the division.

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In this sport, the athlete built a record of 21 wins and five losses. His main victories were over Cory Sandhagen , Henry Cejudo , John Dodson , José Aldo , Marlon Moraes , Petr Yan , Sean O'Malley (twice), and Umar Nurmagomedov.