Henry Cejudo proved once again why his Olympic pedigree remains a dominant force in grappling-based competition. At RAF 6, the celebrated wrestler produced a dominant shutout performance against Urijah Faber, executing a clinic in technical takedowns before immediately calling out his next opponent. The decisive victory not only showcased Cejudo's elite skill set but also set the stage for an intriguing future matchup with fellow former UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili.
The Return of Olympic Excellence
Cejudo Dominates Faber with Clinical Wrestling
Henry Cejudo's performance against Urijah Faber exemplified everything that makes him a feared competitor in wrestling-centered environments. As the 2009 Olympic gold medalist, Cejudo brought a wealth of technical knowledge to the mat, deploying precision takedown techniques that Faber simply could not counter. Throughout the match, Cejudo repeatedly executed ankle pick takedowns with remarkable timing and efficiency, demonstrating the quickness and footwork that defined his Olympic career.
Faber, despite being a Hall of Famer with extensive grappling experience, found himself unable to generate any meaningful offensive momentum. His defensive work on the mat was respectable, as he managed to prevent pin attempts and avoid catastrophic positioning errors. However, the difference in wrestling acumen was apparent from the opening exchanges. Cejudo's superior timing, combined with his lightning-fast shot selection, proved too much for Faber to overcome, regardless of his defensive efforts.
A Shutout Victory and Technical Fall
The final score of 11-0 in favor of Cejudo tells the complete story of a one-sided affair. A technical fall victory meant the match ended without question, leaving no room for debate about the outcome. Cejudo's speed in accumulating points throughout all three rounds highlighted why he remains dangerous at the highest levels of grappling competition. The match concluded decisively, with Cejudo demonstrating that his transition back to pure wrestling has lost none of its effectiveness.
The Post-Fight Drama: Immediate Callout Sets Stage
Cejudo Targets Merab Dvalishvili
Before the final echoes of the match announcements had faded, Cejudo set his sights on his next challenge. Merab Dvalishvili, the former UFC bantamweight champion, happened to be present at RAF 6 following his announcement as one half of the RAF 7 main event card. Rather than taking time to celebrate his victory over Faber, Cejudo spotted the Georgian grappler in attendance and immediately issued a public challenge that electrified the atmosphere.
The callout was direct and unambiguous. Cejudo made it clear that he viewed Dvalishvili as the next logical opponent, and he wanted everyone in the building to hear it. The boldness of the challenge reflected Cejudo's confidence in his abilities, even when facing someone who had previously defeated him in an MMA setting. The moment demonstrated the showmanship expected in modern combat sports, where post-fight confrontations often dictate the direction of future matchups.
The Verbal Exchange
Cejudo's words left no doubt about his intentions. He declared: "You didn't beat me, April in Philly, I'm going to spank you, Merab." The Olympic wrestler demanded that Dvalishvili sign the contract immediately and challenged him to "bend the knee" in what would be their wrestling encounter. The aggressive tone, combined with Cejudo's undefeated performance minutes earlier, made the challenge feel inevitable rather than bluster.
The confidence in Cejudo's delivery suggested he was ready to settle their rivalry in a controlled wrestling environment where his Olympic experience would theoretically provide maximum advantage. The setting at a dedicated wrestling event created a different dynamic compared to their previous UFC encounters, and Cejudo made clear he believed wrestling was his domain.
Dvalishvili's Response and the Challenge Accepted
A Champion's Perspective
Merab Dvalishvili's response to Cejudo's challenge revealed both respect for the moment and confidence in his own abilities. Rather than backing down, Dvalishvili acknowledged the unique spectacle of wrestling competition at the highest level. He stated: "I love the show. This is the best wrestling show." His words suggested recognition that even though wrestling was not his primary combat discipline, the opportunity to compete against an Olympic champion held significant value.
Notably, Dvalishvili referenced his previous success against Cejudo in the UFC cage, suggesting he had overcome the Olympic wrestler before and could do so again, regardless of the rule set. He acknowledged that wrestling represented unfamiliar terrain compared to mixed martial arts, yet he showed no hesitation in accepting the challenge. His composure in the face of Cejudo's aggressive callout demonstrated the poise of someone accustomed to high-pressure situations.
The Face-Off Moment
When Dvalishvili walked onto the stage to face off with Cejudo, the two former UFC champions created an electric moment that captured the essence of combat sports rivalry. Rather than appearing intimidated by Cejudo's dominance over Faber, Dvalishvili carried himself with confidence. His body language suggested a competitor ready to meet the challenge head-on. The face-to-face confrontation crystallized the matchup and set expectations for what would follow in their wrestling encounter.
Breaking Down Cejudo's Technical Performance
The Ankle Pick Strategy
Cejudo's tactical approach centered on the low single-leg takedown, repeatedly deploying this technique across all three rounds. The ankle pick proved devastatingly effective because of Cejudo's superior timing and footwork. He caught Faber in positions where escape options were limited, and his ability to control the scramble once engaged gave him consistent success. This technical focus demonstrated that sometimes wrestling excellence comes not from flashy combinations but from mastering fundamental techniques and executing them at the precise moment.
Round-by-Round Dominance
The match progression showcased Cejudo's methodical accumulation of points. In the opening round, quick takedowns established a 5-0 lead before the period concluded. The second round saw Cejudo extend his advantage to 7-0 despite Faber's desperate scrambling efforts to prevent pin attempts. By the third round, Cejudo delivered two more takedowns in rapid succession, bringing the total to 11-0 and triggering the technical fall that ended the contest. Every round followed the same pattern: Cejudo initiated, executed, and scored while Faber defended but never countered effectively.
Faber's Resilience Despite the Loss
Even in defeat, Faber showed qualities worth noting. His mat defense prevented the complete domination that could have resulted in multiple pin situations. He managed brief moments of escape and even threatened with his own takedown attempt in the second round, which Cejudo successfully sprawled out against. Experience matters in grappling, and Faber's Hall of Fame credentials showed in his ability to avoid catastrophic errors, even when overmatched in overall wrestling capability.
RAF 8 Officially Booked for Philadelphia
The Deal and the Matchup
Following his dominant performance, Cejudo's commitment deepened with the signing of a three-match deal with RAF. This arrangement provided the promotion with stability while giving Cejudo multiple opportunities to compete at the highest level of wrestling competition. The booking of Cejudo versus Dvalishvili for the RAF 8 main event on April 18 in Philadelphia officially transformed the post-fight callout into scheduled reality. Two former UFC champions now had a date, location, and official sanctioning for their wrestling showdown.
What's Next for Cejudo
Cejudo's return to wrestling competition has produced impressive results, with his impressive showing against Faber serving as the latest evidence of his elite-level grappling abilities. The Dvalishvili matchup represents a significant test, as their history in the UFC demonstrates mutual respect and competitive equality. The Philadelphia showdown will take place in a pure wrestling environment where Olympic training and technique become paramount. Cejudo's three-fight commitment to RAF suggests a serious long-term investment in wrestling competition, marking a notable chapter in his combat sports career.