Shara Magomedov vs. Neiman Gracie set for RAF Moscow
The UFC middleweight will face the former Bellator title challenger after Alexander Shlemenko withdrew from their previously scheduled grappling match.
Shara Magomedov has a new opponent for his next grappling appearance. The UFC middleweight is now set to face Neiman Gracie at RAF Moscow on Sept. 5, after Alexander Shlemenko withdrew from their previously scheduled matchup. Magomedov and Gracie will be making their debut in RAF. The promotion announced the matchup on social media.
Shara Magomedov Gets New Opponent at RAF Moscow
Magomedov was initially expected to face Shlemenko at the event, but the former Bellator middleweight champion withdrew from the matchup. Shlemenko will instead face Michael Page at RAF 14 on Oct. 3.
The change gives Magomedov a very different opponent in Gracie, who comes from one of the most famous families in jiu-jitsu. The Brazilian is a former Bellator welterweight title challenger and has also competed under the PFL banner. His most recent grappling appearance came at ADXC 1 in 2023, when he submitted former UFC champion Benson Henderson.
Shara Magomedov Set For Another Grappling Matchup
This will not be Magomedov's first experience competing under grappling rules. The Russian has previously tested himself in submission grappling under the Hype FC banner. Magomedov faced Arman Tsarukyan and Edson Barboza, with both fights ending in a draw.
In the UFC, Magomedov is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Michel Pereira in June. Now, the Russian will have the opportunity to test his grappling against a specialist with considerably more experience in the discipline.
The matchup between Magomedov and Gracie joins an already loaded RAF Moscow card, which is headlined by Khamzat Chimaev vs. Tyron Woodley. Several other prominent wrestlers and MMA fighters are also scheduled to compete at the Sept. 5 event.
