Henry Cejudo and Urijah Faber faced off in the main event of RAF 6, held at Mullet Arena in Tempe, Arizona. The match represented a fascinating collision between two combat sports legends returning to their wrestling roots after years away from competitive grappling. What unfolded was a masterclass in technical wrestling superiority, with Cejudo delivering a shutout victory that demonstrated his elite-level grappling credentials remain intact.
Two Legends Return to Their Wrestling Roots
The main event featured two fighters with vastly different recent histories but similar competitive paths. Henry Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion, built his career on his extraordinary wrestling foundation. His resume includes an Olympic gold medal from the 2008 Games, establishing him as one of the most decorated American wrestlers to transition into professional MMA. After stepping away from competition in the UFC, Cejudo has pursued grappling opportunities through specialized wrestling leagues.
Urijah Faber brought a Hall of Fame pedigree to the contest, having won titles in the WEC before establishing himself as a UFC legend. The 46-year-old competitor competed as a college wrestler at UC-Davis before transitioning into MMA. While Faber remained active in grappling competitions since departing from UFC competition in 2019, the skill disparity against an Olympic gold medalist proved significant. At 39 years old, Cejudo had not engaged in competitive wrestling since 2015, yet the gap between their resumes remained notably substantial.
The anticipation surrounding this matchup centered on whether Olympic-level wrestling credentials would decisively overcome a solid collegiate wrestling background, especially when considering the considerable age difference and time away from competition for both athletes.
Pre-Match Expectations vs. Reality
Before the opening period began, most observers recognized the significant skill disparity favoring Cejudo. The matchup pitted an Olympic champion against a college wrestler, a technical advantage that appeared insurmountable on paper. Faber's decade-long absence from professional MMA competition since 2019 further complicated matters, despite his ongoing involvement in grappling events.
However, Faber's experience and wrestling foundation suggested he would provide solid defensive resistance rather than capitulating immediately. His age—approaching 50—represented the most concerning factor, though his staying power in competitive grappling events demonstrated continued athleticism. The question wasn't whether Cejudo would win, but rather how convincingly he would establish dominance.
The matchup served as an interesting test of wrestling fundamentals at the highest levels. Would years away from competition diminish Cejudo's technical edge, or would his Olympic pedigree provide lasting advantages? Reality would answer these questions decisively during the competition itself.
Round-by-Round Breakdown: Cejudo's Technical Masterclass
First Period: Early Dominance
Cejudo began from his knees, immediately demonstrating superior wrestling technical prowess. He lunged for an inside trip that Faber successfully defended, showing the older competitor wasn't entirely overmatched defensively. However, Cejudo quickly adjusted, shifting into hand-fighting combinations that put pressure on Faber. The referee placed Faber on a shot clock, forcing offensive action.
After some defensive maneuvering, Cejudo successfully executed his first takedown, earning 2 points. An additional point came from the shot clock violation Faber incurred. The opening period concluded with Cejudo leading 3-0.
Second Period: Extending the Lead
Cejudo continued his dominance in period two, landing a devastating low single-leg takedown near the period's conclusion. After initial review uncertainty, officials awarded the 2 points, extending his lead to 5-0. Continuing his assault, Cejudo executed another takedown from hand-fighting range, showcasing superior leverage and control. His positioning advantage prevented Faber from achieving back exposure, as Faber defensively flattened his body effectively. The second period ended with Cejudo maintaining a 7-0 advantage.
Notably, Faber displayed a moment of offensive promise, connecting with an outside trip during a tie-up. Cejudo nearly surrendered to the takedown but recovered and stalled the position until the whistle sounded, preventing a scoring opportunity for his opponent.
Third Period: Match-Sealing Takedowns
Opening the final period, Cejudo continued applying pressure with an inside single-leg takedown that placed Faber directly on his back, earning 2 additional points and returning to standing position. The decisive moment came when Cejudo executed a deep ankle pick that sealed the match's outcome. He drove through the technique with perfect timing and force, securing the final takedown before time expired. The match concluded with an impressive 11-0 shutout victory for Cejudo.
The Victory and Its Aftermath
Immediately following his dominant performance, Cejudo demonstrated the competitive fire that defined his MMA career by grabbing a microphone for a post-match callout. Merab Dvalishvili, the fighter Cejudo challenged, was in attendance at the event. Cejudo acknowledged their previous encounter while asserting his confidence in a potential rematch.
"You did beat me, and you did pick me up, but I'm going to beat your ass," Cejudo declared, setting the stage for future competition.
Dvalishvili accepted the challenge, agreeing to face Cejudo at a potential RAF event in Philadelphia. The two fighters engaged in a face-off, with Cejudo displaying characteristic competitive intensity. This exchange represented exactly the type of momentum-building promotion that drives fan interest in grappling leagues, establishing a clear path toward their next high-profile matchup.
What This Match Reveals About Modern MMA Grappling
Cejudo's performance demonstrated that elite wrestling fundamentals maintain their edge regardless of extended competition gaps. His technical superiority, forged through Olympic-level training, allowed him to control every aspect of the match against an experienced but outmatched opponent. His shot timing, leverage application, and positional awareness remained exceptionally sharp despite years focused on MMA rather than pure grappling competition.
The matchup also highlighted how modern wrestling leagues attract combat sports legends seeking new competitive outlets. Faber's participation reflected the broader trend of experienced fighters exploring specialized grappling platforms. While Cejudo's victory was decisive, the 11-0 scoreline suggested Faber mounted sufficient defensive resistance to prove his collegiate wrestling background provided value, even against Olympic-caliber opposition.
The takeaway from RAF 6's main event extends beyond simple dominance. It reinforced that wrestling credentials, particularly at the highest amateur levels, provide lasting competitive advantages. Cejudo's shutout victory while approaching 40 years old, combined with his ability to secure back-exposure opportunities repeatedly, demonstrated why Olympic wrestlers continue commanding respect across grappling disciplines.