Wrestling’s Elite Converge as Dvalishvili and Moraes Renew Rivalry on the Mat

The Georgian champion returns to Real American Freestyle for a high-stakes catchweight crossover with the Brazilian former title challenger, adding star power to Abu Dhabi's inaugural RAF card

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will face Marlon Moraes, the Brazilian MMA star and erstwhile UFC title challenger, in a catchweight crossover matchup that promises to captivate audiences at the inaugural Real American Freestyle Abu Dhabi on Saturday, November 14. The two competitors, having previously squared off inside the UFC Octagon, will now test their wrestling credentials on a different stage, lending considerable intrigue to an already stellar card at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

Dvalishvili, nicknamed ‘The Machine’, returns to the RAF stage for his fourth appearance, having established a formidable record of two victories from three contests. His trajectory through the young organisation has been nothing short of remarkable. In May 2026, he delivered an impressive debut by defeating UFC legend Frankie Edgar 12–1, earning Performance of the Night honours. That victory was surpassed only by his subsequent achievement at RAF Georgia in July, where he orchestrated a dramatic comeback against Olympic gold medallist and former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo, overturning an 8–0 deficit to secure an 11–8 triumph and secure Match of the Night recognition.

Moraes brings considerable pedigree to his RAF debut in Abu Dhabi. The Brazilian formerly held the World Series of Fighting bantamweight championship, successfully defending the title five times, and previously challenged for UFC gold. The two fighters last met at UFC 266 in September 2021, when Dvalishvili secured victory via second-round technical knockout. Moraes’s experience across multiple combat sports disciplines will provide a formidable test for the returning champion.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dvalishvili expressed his enthusiasm for the encounter. “I’m excited to return to Abu Dhabi and compete at RAF’s first event in the Middle East,” he said. “Abu Dhabi has some of the best combat sports fans in the world, and the atmosphere is always incredible. I love wrestling, I love competing, and I’m ready for whoever is standing across from me. I’m coming to win and put on a great show for the fans on November 14.”

The Dvalishvili versus Moraes encounter complements a card of exceptional depth. As we reported in our coverage of Real American Freestyle Wrestling’s triumphant Abu Dhabi debut, the event will be headlined by Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington competing for the Cruiserweight Crossover Championship. The card further features leading names including Arman Tsarukyan, Neiman Gracie, Umar Nurmagomedov, Urijah Faber, Kyle Snyder, and Julianna Peña.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier international destination for elite combat sports continues to strengthen. The gathering of world-class wrestlers and former championship-level competitors underscores the emirate’s capacity to host marquee sporting events that draw global audiences and showcase the calibre of athletic talent in the sport.

The event reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to establishing itself as a centre for sporting excellence and cultural significance. The presence of such accomplished athletes, competing at the highest levels of their disciplines, elevates the emirate’s profile within the international sporting community and demonstrates its appeal as a venue for landmark competitions.

Source: WAM