Real American Freestyle Wrestling is looking to add another UFC name to its roster.
Over the weekend, the promotion held its eighth event, originally headlined by Henry Cejudo and Merab Dvalishvili.
But just a few hours before the bout, Cejudo pulled out of the event due to an ongoing injury.
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As a result, Arman Tsarukyan’s match against Urijah Faber was moved up to the main event. And before that bout kicked off, RAFW announced they had signed Khamzat Chimaev.
Trevin Jones is looking more like a potential signing than someone already locked in. This isn’t TJ Dillashaw’s first time stepping into non-traditional MMA promotions, as he previously fought against Jorge Masvidal for Karate Combat earlier this year.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
RAF owner looking to bring in UFC’s most exciting heavyweight
In recent weeks, RAF has made waves with some big signings. Alongside Chimaev, they’ve also added UFC heavyweight Gable Steveson, who’s set to make his debut at RAF09 on 30 May.
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The promotion is becoming an increasingly popular option for UFC fighters looking to stay active. Now, owner Izzy Martinez has his sights set on another rising star, heavyweight Josh Hokit.
“You know, Josh Hokit’s manager is the same manager for Zahid Valencia so we’ve been talking to him about Hokit for a while,” Martinez said at the post-fight press conference.
“He’s also down at Greg Jackson’s gym where I was a part of for such a long time. You know, I think they’ve got a big plan for him in the UFC but we also have big plans for him.
“So we’re super excited to get on the horn with him after this weekend and he’s not the only one, but Hokit is a special one and we’re excited to get him in the league also,” he continued.
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He followed that up by entering the top five of the rankings and landing a surprise spot on the UFC White House card, where he’ll take on Derrick Lewis.
However, it appears some complications are brewing ahead of that fight. His longtime coach, Greg Jackson, has announced he won’t be cornering Hokit for this bout.
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