Umar Nurmagomedov to make RAF debut in Abu Dhabi

MMA bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov is set to make his inaugural appearance in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The event, scheduled for November 14, will see Nurmagomedov, a distinguished member of the celebrated Nurmagomedov family, face off against Urijah Faber. With a remarkable seven submission victories in MMA (20-2 win-loss record), Nurmagomedov aims to display his prowess on the RAF stage.

Tickets for the much-anticipated UFC fighter showdown can be purchased from the Etihad Arena. The event will be headlined by Khamzat Chimaev, a celebrated combat sports star, who is set to battle American Colby Covington for the RAF cruiserweight crossover title.

Faber, a former MMA champion and founder of Team Alpha Male, will make his third RAF appearance. The card also features reigning RAF light heavyweight champion Kyle Snyder, who will face off against Shamil Erdogan. Snyder, hailing from the United States, has already claimed the title after a series of impressive victories, including four over Olympic medalists. Erdogan, a Dagestan-born Turkish athlete, will also make his RAF debut, bringing his unbeaten professional MMA record to Abu Dhabi.

The inaugural RAF Abu Dhabi event is the beginning of a five-year collaboration between Real American Freestyle, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and the UAE Wrestling Federation. This partnership stems from RAF's commitment to creating globally resonating combat sports events. "Abu Dhabi is one of the premier destinations for combat sports, with the vision and infrastructure to deliver events that resonate globally," Chad Bronstein, CEO and co-founder of RAF, expressed earlier.

"This five-year partnership gives us the opportunity to make RAF Abu Dhabi a signature event and build something meaningful for athletes, fans, and the region for years to come."