RAF 3 Results: Mendes vs. Chandler

The main event saw former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler square off against former UFC featherweight title challenger Chad Mendes in a 175-pound grappling exhibition that lived up to its billing. Both athletes, renowned for their explosive wrestling bases that propelled their mixed martial arts careers, donned their singlets once more, igniting a fervent atmosphere among fans eager to witness a pure display of technical prowess and raw power.

Chandler, a formidable alumnus of the University of Missouri wrestling program, transitioned to MMA after a successful collegiate career, where his relentless pressure and powerful takedowns became hallmarks of his fighting style. His opponent, Chad Mendes, was a standout at Cal Poly, earning two All-American honors and reaching the finals of the 2009 NCAA National Championships, ultimately finishing as a runner-up. The narrative leading into their encounter was one of a return to fundamentals, a contest where their foundational skills, often adapted for striking and submissions in the octagon, would be tested in their purest form.

The match between Chandler and Mendes commenced with a cautious but intense feeling-out process. Both fighters exhibited immense respect for the other’s wrestling pedigree. Chandler, known for his aggressive starts in MMA, demonstrated a more measured approach, probing for openings with feints and level changes. Mendes, with his powerful low stance and quick reactions, effectively defended early shots, circling intelligently to control the center of the mat.

As the rounds progressed, the intensity escalated. Chandler managed to secure a crucial takedown in the second period, transitioning quickly to a dominant top position. Mendes, however, showcased his exceptional scrambling ability, managing to escape potential back control and return to his feet after a hard-fought minute on the defensive. The exchanges were characterized by powerful hand fighting, intricate chain wrestling attempts, and explosive bursts of energy. Neither athlete conceded an inch, illustrating the high-level competitive spirit that defined their careers.

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The decisive moments of the bout arrived in the final period. Chandler, appearing to have slightly more gas in the tank, initiated a powerful double-leg takedown that Mendes valiantly tried to counter. After a brief but intense scramble near the edge of the mat, Chandler solidified the takedown, maintaining control for the remainder of the round. The judges, after a comprehensive review of points awarded for takedowns, escapes, and control time, rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Michael Chandler. The victory marked a significant moment for Chandler, demonstrating that his elite wrestling skills remain sharp, even years after his collegiate days. Mendes, despite the loss, showcased the resilience and technical acumen that made him a perennial contender in the UFC.

The RAF 3 event also featured an array of compelling matchups on its undercard, highlighting emerging talents and celebrated veterans from both the wrestling and MMA worlds.

One of the most anticipated bouts saw two-time All-American and former Bellator bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell face off against the highly touted young prospect Bo Bassett. Caldwell, celebrated for his exceptional athleticism and submission grappling, found himself tested by Bassett’s relentless pace and innovative technique. Bassett, known for his dynamic attacks and seemingly endless gas tank, pushed the tempo from the outset. Caldwell, leveraging his experience, managed to fend off several aggressive takedown attempts and even threatened with a deep arm-in guillotine choke in the second period, which Bassett skillfully defended. The match went the distance, a testament to both athletes’ conditioning and defensive wrestling, with Bo Bassett ultimately securing a narrow decision victory, signaling his arrival as a force in the grappling circuit.

Another collegiate wrestling showdown pitted Austin O’Connor against Austin Gomez. Both competitors brought national-level accolades to the mat. O’Connor, a national champion, displayed his methodical, high-percentage wrestling, focusing on solid positioning and well-timed shots. Gomez, known for his explosive and unorthodox style, attempted several high-amplitude throws, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. The strategic chess match saw O’Connor’s consistent pressure and control time outweigh Gomez’s flashier but less successful attempts, leading to a decision win for O’Connor.

The women’s grappling segment featured 2024 Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades against Alejandra Rivera. Blades, whose recent Olympic success has thrust her into the international spotlight, demonstrated the precision and power that earned her a podium finish. Rivera, a national-level freestyle wrestler with a reputation for tenacity, put up a strong fight, but Blades’ superior technique and tactical awareness were evident. Blades executed a series of flawless takedowns and transitions, culminating in a dominant performance and a clear decision victory, reinforcing her status as one of the world’s premier female grapplers.

Real Woods and Jordan Olivera, both distinguished collegiate wrestlers, delivered a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Woods, known for his incredible pace and diverse offensive arsenal, consistently pressed the action. Olivera, a technician with exceptional counter-wrestling, sought to capitalize on any overextension. The back-and-forth nature of the contest, replete with multiple takedowns and reversals, kept the score tight. In a closely contested match, Real Woods emerged victorious by a slim margin, showcasing the depth of talent within the collegiate wrestling ranks.

Bella Mir, daughter of UFC legend Frank Mir, continued to build her burgeoning combat sports career, stepping onto the mat against Alexis Gomez. Bella Mir, already making waves in MMA, displayed her developing grappling skills, showing composure and strength beyond her years. Gomez, a seasoned amateur grappler, tested Mir’s defensive capabilities. Mir, demonstrating her lineage’s inherent toughness, secured a late takedown and maintained control to clinch a hard-fought decision, further solidifying her path in combat sports.

UFC fan-favorite Clay Guida, a veteran with a career spanning decades, brought his trademark "Carpenter" grit to the mat against rising prospect Cayden Henschel. Guida, known for his relentless cardio and unorthodox scrambling, faced a technically proficient Henschel, who aimed to control the pace. The match was a classic clash of styles: Guida’s boundless energy against Henschel’s more structured approach. Guida’s experience proved crucial as he navigated Henschel’s early attacks and turned the tide in the later stages, securing a hard-earned decision victory through sheer will and relentless effort.

Another intriguing cross-discipline matchup saw UFC knockout artist Joaquin Buckley, known for his highlight-reel striking, test his grappling against Pat Downey, a highly decorated collegiate wrestler and controversial figure in the sport. Downey, with his aggressive and powerful wrestling, sought to impose his will from the opening whistle. Buckley, while primarily a striker, displayed surprising defensive wrestling and an improved ability to scramble, frustrating Downey’s attempts to establish dominant positions. Despite Buckley’s improvements, Downey’s superior grappling pedigree eventually shone through, as he secured multiple takedowns and maintained control, earning a clear decision.

The heavyweight division was represented by Akhmed Tazhudinov, an international freestyle wrestling standout, facing off against Anthony Cassioppi, a formidable collegiate heavyweight. Tazhudinov, known for his incredible power and technique, faced a stern test in Cassioppi, who brought collegiate heavyweight strength and resilience. The bout was a display of brute force and refined skill, with Tazhudinov’s international experience proving to be the difference-maker, as he managed to execute more effective attacks and control positions, leading to a decision win.

Finally, the legendary Spencer Lee, a multiple-time NCAA champion and one of the most dominant collegiate wrestlers of his era, took on Andrii Yatsenko, an accomplished international wrestler. Lee, renowned for his lightning-fast attacks and impenetrable defense, showcased why he is considered among the all-time greats. Yatsenko, a tough and experienced opponent, attempted to weather Lee’s storm, but Lee’s relentless pressure and technical superiority were overwhelming. Spencer Lee delivered a dominant performance, securing multiple takedowns and near-falls, culminating in a decisive technical fall victory, much to the delight of the Chicago crowd.

The RAF 3 event served as a compelling platform, bridging the gap between pure wrestling and mixed martial arts, offering fans a unique opportunity to see their favorite fighters and grappling stars compete in a format that celebrated the foundational combat sport. The Wintrust Arena buzzed with energy, affirming the enduring appeal of high-level wrestling and its pivotal role in the broader combat sports landscape.