Merab Dvalishvili Eager for Abu Dhabi Return on RAF Wrestling Card

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to make a swift return to the UAE, appearing on the upcoming RAF Abu Dhabi card just three weeks after his last fight. Dvalishvili, who recently challenged for his title at UFC 333 on October 24 but lost to Petr Yan by unanimous decision in the co-main event, will now face Brazilian MMA star and former UFC title challenger Marlon Moraes in a Catchweight Crossover bout on November 14.

“I'm excited to return to Abu Dhabi and compete at RAF's first event in the Middle East,” Dvalishvili stated. “Abu Dhabi has some of the best combat sports fans in the world, and the atmosphere is always incredible.”

The event, held at Etihad Arena, is the inaugural RAF event in the Middle East and is part of a five-year partnership between Real American Freestyle, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and the UAE Wrestling Federation. The card is headlined by Khamzat Chimaev, who will face Colby Covington for the Cruiserweight Crossover Championship.

Dvalishvili, nicknamed “The Machine,” is no stranger to RAF, marking his fourth appearance with two wins in three contests. He made his debut in May 2026 with a 12–1 victory over UFC legend Frankie Edgar, earning Performance of the Night. He also secured a dramatic comeback win over Olympic gold medallist and former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo at RAF Georgia in July, winning 11–8 after being down 8–0, which earned Match of the Night honours.

Marlon Moraes, a former World Series of Fighting (WSOF) bantamweight champion and UFC title challenger, will make his RAF debut in Abu Dhabi, bringing significant combat sports experience. Moraes and Dvalishvili have a history, having previously faced each other at UFC 266 in September 2021, where Dvalishvili won by second-round TKO.

Other notable fighters scheduled for the RAF Abu Dhabi event include Arman Tsarukyan, Neiman Gracie, Umar Nurmagomedov, Urijah Faber, Kyle Snyder, and Julianna Pena.

“I love wrestling, I love competing, and I'm ready for whoever is standing across from me. I'm coming to win and put on a great show for the fans on November 14,” Dvalishvili added.