RAF 12: Henry Cejudo Avenges UFC Loss, Dismantles Merab Dvalishvili
Henry Cejudo has successfully avenged his loss to Merab Dvalishvili by absolutely dominating him at the RAF 12 event, with plans for a trilogy between the two.
Revenge is a dish best served fast, and Henry Cejudo just dished out a lightning-quick portion at RAF 12. "Triple C" completely dismantled his rival Merab Dvalishvili, needing a mere 36 seconds to score a pin, capture the inaugural RAF Lightweight Crossover Championship, and exact some sweet vengeance on the canvas.
"Triple C" Flips the Script in Record Time
The history between these two elite fighters added plenty of heat to the headliner. In the UFC, Dvalishvili outworked Cejudo over three rounds at UFC 298 in February 2024, earning a unanimous decision victory using his signature relentless cardio. When they crossed over to freestyle wrestling at RAF Georgia earlier in the summer of 2026, "The Machine" managed another shocking upset, roaring back from an 8-0 deficit to hand the 2008 Olympic gold medalist a stunning loss in his signature sport.
With immense pressure on his shoulders entering Cleveland, the former two-division UFC champion made sure no comeback was possible this time around.
Cejudo wasted zero time when the whistle blew. Instead of settling into a cautious hand-fighting duel, the 39-year-old shot in immediately, landed an explosive four-point takedown, and transitioned straight into a scramble. Before Dvalishvili could fire up his standard relentless pace, Cejudo flattened him out, locked down the position, and secured the pin in just 36 seconds.
To make the moment even sweeter, Cejudo immediately hit the center of the mat and broke into a traditional Georgian dance, playfully mocking Dvalishvili in front of an electrified crowd.
Post-match, Dvalishvili took the defeat in stride. "The Machine" congratulated Cejudo on the lightning-fast victory and voiced his appreciation for RAF providing a high-level platform to stay sharp ahead of his upcoming UFC bantamweight title fight against Petr Yan.
For Cejudo, the dominant performance proves that his wrestling pedigree remains elite. Having claimed the crossover belt in style, the combat sports legend immediately turned his attention to the future, using his interview to call out former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt for his next target.
