Summary
- Daniel Cormier has issued a challenge to Jon Jones for a wrestling match under the Real American Freestyle (RAF) promotion.
- RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein mentions that the match is feasible due to the relationships with both fighters.
- Kyle Dake will face Mahamedkhabib Kadimagomedov at RAF 5, rematching their 2020 Olympic bout.
- After defeating Yoel Romero, Stephen Buchanan also called out Jon Jones for a wrestling match.
- The UFC has approved multiple fighters to participate in RAF wrestling events.
Sources: MMA Fighting | EssentiallySports | Sportskeeda MMA
Cormier Challenges Jones
Daniel Cormier has called out his longtime rival Jon Jones for a wrestling bout, with Real American Freestyle co-founder Chad Bronstein emphasizing that promotional ties may facilitate this match. Bronstein spoke about the potential for the matchup, referencing established relationships between key figures and the fighters.
Support from Promotional Figures
Bronstein noted that Ben Askren and Izzy Martinez, both influential in RAF, have close connections with Cormier and Jones, which could aid in organizing the bout. He stated, “With RAF, all matches can happen.”
UFC Fighters Transition to Wrestling
RAF has attracted various current and former UFC competitors to its wrestling events. For instance, RAF 5 will feature former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington against former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. The event will also include current contenders like Bo Nickal and Arman Tsarukyan facing well-known opponents in the wrestling sphere.
Injury Considerations for UFC Fighters
According to Bronstein, the UFC has positively regarded their fighters engaging in RAF events. He believes that wrestling presents a lower risk of injury compared to MMA and offers additional competition opportunities for athletes.
More Callouts to Jones
Cormier isn’t the sole competitor targeting Jon Jones. After his recent victory over Yoel Romero at RAF 5, Stephen Buchanan has also challenged Jones to a wrestling match, adding depth to the ongoing discussion about a potential matchup.
Notable Rematch Scheduled
Kyle Dake, a distinguished American wrestler, is set to rematch Mahamedkhabib Kadimagomedov at RAF 5, following an earlier upset in their Olympic bout. Dake has expressed interest in facing any UFC fighter to test their wrestling skills, further demonstrating the appeal of cross-promotional matches that RAF fosters.
