Ali Akbar Rosady
Henry Cejudo, the decorated Olympic gold medalist and former two-division UFC champion, delivered a decisive performance at RAF 12 on Saturday, securing a stunning 36-second pin victory over Merab Dvalishvili. The swift triumph marked a dramatic reversal of fortunes from their initial encounter and immediately ignited discussions about a potential rubber match between the two elite grapplers.
The highly anticipated rematch, held at a packed RAF 12 event, saw Cejudo execute a masterful display of wrestling prowess from the opening whistle. Following the referee’s signal, Cejudo initiated a quick, powerful takedown that brought Dvalishvili to the mat within seconds. Capitalizing on the immediate advantage, Cejudo swiftly transitioned to a dominant pinning position, securing Dvalishvili’s shoulders to the mat. The referee, recognizing the definitive control, wasted no time in stopping the contest, awarding Cejudo the victory by pin at just 36 seconds into the first period. The speed and clinical execution of the finish underscored Cejudo’s renewed focus on his wrestling roots, a stark contrast to their previous bout.
This victory held significant weight for Cejudo, serving as a powerful redemption narrative after his dramatic loss to Dvalishvili in their initial wrestling match. That first encounter, which took place in Georgia, saw Cejudo establish a commanding 8-0 lead in the opening period, appearing on track for a dominant victory. However, the former UFC champion visibly fatigued as the match progressed, allowing Dvalishvili, known for his relentless pace and unparalleled cardio, to stage a remarkable comeback. Dvalishvili ultimately seized control, turning the tide entirely and securing a come-from-behind victory that left many observers, including Cejudo himself, surprised. The outcome of that initial contest was largely attributed to Cejudo’s extended hiatus from dedicated wrestling training, a discipline he had largely set aside during his illustrious mixed martial arts career.
Speaking at the RAF 12 post-event press conference, Cejudo reflected on the lessons learned from his prior defeat and the rigorous preparation that preceded Saturday’s dominant showing. "When I’m in shape, and I think Izzy [Martinez] said it, we were on the phone one time and [he said] ‘when Henry’s in shape, no one will beat him… this kid is good,’" Cejudo recounted, referencing his long-time wrestling coach, Izzy Martinez, a highly respected figure in the wrestling community known for his work with numerous Olympic and world champions. "I took that to heart."
Related News :
- UFC Fight Night Preview: Kape and Horiguchi Set for Highly Anticipated Flyweight Rematch in Las Vegas
- UFC 322 Championship Showdown: Della Maddalena Faces Makhachev in Pivotal Welterweight Title Bout at Madison Square Garden
- Women’s College Basketball Gears Up for Electrifying ‘Feast Week’ Showdown, Featuring 36 Key Contests Across Ten Days
- The Curtain Falls: UFC 323 Delivers Final Pay-Per-View Spectacle with Bantamweight and Flyweight Titles on the Line.
- White House South Lawn Gears Up for Historic UFC Freedom 250 Featuring Topuria-Gaethje Unification Bout
Cejudo detailed his commitment to an intensive training camp, specifically traveling to Amsterdam, New York, to immerse himself in dedicated wrestling preparation for a month and a half. This focused regimen, he explained, was a direct response to the humbling experience of being defeated by Dvalishvili in their first match. "After getting beat up by Merab in Georgia, I’ve just got to stay disciplined and dedicated," Cejudo stated, emphasizing the personal accountability he felt for his previous performance.
The "Triple C" – a moniker earned for his unique achievement of winning an Olympic gold medal in wrestling (Beijing 2008) and two UFC championships (flyweight and bantamweight) – admitted that despite his unparalleled wrestling pedigree, his dedication to the sport had wavered significantly over the past decade. His focus had primarily shifted to mixed martial arts, where he meticulously built a legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. This prolonged diversion, he conceded, had impacted his pure wrestling conditioning and instincts, factors that Dvalishvili expertly exploited in their first meeting.
"I’ve been doing this for so long. I’m not surprised that I actually lost to Merab," Cejudo confessed, offering a candid assessment of his own readiness prior to their first bout. "For 13 years, I’ve been here [doing MMA], on my feet doing X, Y and Z. And if the dude has a better gas tank than me and knows how to push the pace, he’ll beat anybody. Particularly if you’re not in it and wrestling." This self-awareness highlights the distinct demands of pure wrestling, where continuous pressure and sustained physical output are paramount, often differing from the intermittent explosiveness of MMA grappling exchanges. "I’ve been wrestling since I was a kid but that doesn’t mean anything. It’s humbling but I’m excited for the trilogy."
Merab Dvalishvili, currently ranked as the number one contender in the UFC’s bantamweight division, is widely recognized for his high-volume striking, relentless pressure, and formidable wrestling base. His professional MMA record stands at 16 wins and 4 losses, with notable victories over top contenders such as Petr Yan, Jose Aldo, and Marlon Moraes. Dvalishvili’s cardio is legendary within the MMA community, often allowing him to overwhelm opponents in the later rounds, a strategy he effectively employed against Cejudo in their initial wrestling encounter. His consistent performances have positioned him as a strong candidate for a UFC bantamweight title shot in the near future.
Following Saturday’s rematch, Dvalishvili, while acknowledging the decisive loss, indicated his openness to a trilogy bout with Cejudo. However, his immediate focus remains squarely on his upcoming mixed martial arts commitments. Dvalishvili is scheduled to face former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan for a third time in the highly anticipated co-main event of UFC 333, slated for October. This bout carries significant implications for Dvalishvili’s title aspirations, as a victory over a former champion like Yan would solidify his claim for a shot at the undisputed bantamweight crown. The strategic importance of this UFC clash means any potential third wrestling match with Cejudo would likely need to be scheduled around his demanding MMA calendar.
As for Cejudo, the RAF 12 victory adds another unique chapter to his already diverse combat sports journey. The Olympic champion and "King of Cringe" is once again venturing into a new athletic endeavor for his next professional outing. He is slated to make his boxing debut against internet personality Deen the Great under the Misfits Boxing banner. Misfits Boxing, known for its crossover events featuring influencers and celebrities, presents a different kind of challenge for Cejudo, further showcasing his willingness to test his skills across various combat disciplines. This boxing venture underscores Cejudo’s current trajectory as an athlete embracing diverse competitive opportunities, rather than solely focusing on a return to the UFC octagon.
The stark contrast between the two wrestling matches between Cejudo and Dvalishvili offers a compelling case study in athletic preparation and specialization. Cejudo’s initial loss served as a potent reminder that even an Olympic gold medalist requires dedicated, sport-specific training to compete at the highest level of pure wrestling, especially after years focused on MMA. His subsequent commitment to a specialized training camp in upstate New York clearly paid dividends, resulting in a performance that left no doubt about his capabilities when fully prepared for the wrestling mat.
The prospect of a trilogy bout between Cejudo and Dvalishvili holds considerable appeal for combat sports enthusiasts. A third encounter would not only settle the score between two elite competitors but also highlight the intricacies of wrestling at the highest echelons, pitting Cejudo’s refined technical mastery against Dvalishvili’s renowned relentless pressure and endurance. However, the scheduling complexities arising from Dvalishvili’s UFC title ambitions and Cejudo’s foray into professional boxing suggest that fans may have to wait for this compelling rubber match to materialize. For now, Cejudo’s 36-second pin stands as a powerful statement, a testament to the enduring impact of discipline and dedicated training for a multi-sport legend.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMAAugust 23, 2026Cejudo Dominates Dvalishvili in 36-Second Pin at RAF 12, Setting Stage for Potential Trilogy
MMAAugust 23, 2026Rodrigues Dominates Hernandez, Solidifying Contender Status at UFC Sacramento; De Ridder, Judice Impress on Undercard
MMAAugust 23, 2026Teofimo Lopez Etches Name in Boxing Lore, Claims Third Divisional Crown Against Rolly Romero
MMAAugust 22, 2026Hernandez Outduels Rodrigues in Grueling Sacramento Main Event at Golden 1 Center
rifan muazin
Jonas Leo
