Steveson debuts at RAF 9 in Arlington; Dvalishvili, Tsarukyan notch wins

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson made his RAF debut on Saturday night at RAF 9 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. He headlined the card against MMA veteran Alexandr Romanov in a heavyweight showcase. The crossover event featured several well-known names from mixed martial arts competing under wrestling rules. The card brought together UFC standouts and elite wrestlers for a night of wrestling-only matchups.

Early main-card bouts produced decisive scorelines, while the headlining heavyweight contest capped a busy night for the promotion. Steveson is slated to compete next against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 on July 11.

The co-main event matched UFC veterans Colby Covington and Chris Weidman in a featured wrestling bout. Elsewhere on the bill, Frankie Edgar — a former UFC champion — shared the mat with high-level contender Merab Dvalishvili in one of the night’s most anticipated pairings. A number of freestyle standouts and rising names also appeared across the main card and undercard in Arlington.

Early action established a theme of technical superiority, with multiple contests ending via technical fall. Several matchups also went the distance on points, while one bout ended by pin. In the RAF setup, a technical fall denotes a victory secured by a wide points margin under the event’s rules.

Headliner and featured attractions

Steveson’s first RAF appearance draws spotlight

Steveson’s meeting with Romanov marked his first outing in the RAF setup, a showcase opportunity before his planned UFC appearance later this summer. The Olympic gold medalist’s move into the promotion had been one of the event’s central storylines, drawing attention from both wrestling and MMA audiences.

Covington vs. Weidman anchors the co-main

Covington and Weidman shared co-main billing in Arlington, adding further name recognition to the card. The bout sat alongside Dvalishvili vs. Edgar on a schedule that blended current UFC contenders, former champions and elite wrestlers transitioning between styles for one night of competition.

Confirmed RAF 9 results

Technical falls set the tone

Merab Dvalishvili defeated Frankie Edgar via technical fall, 12-1. Arman Tsarukyan opened his account with a technical fall victory over influencer Mugzy, 16-5. Kyle Snyder shut out Givi Matcharashvili with a 10-0 technical fall, and Lucia Yepez recorded a 10-0 technical fall win against Cameron Guerin.

Additional winners from Arlington

Real Woods secured a pinfall against Ibragim Ilyasov. Parker Keckeisen outpointed Georgios Kougioumtsidis, 8-5, and Jason Nolf defeated Christopher Minto, 10-5. Zain Retherford blanked Antrell Taylor, 8-0, while Ridge Lovett beat Bajrang Punia, 13-8.

Further official details, including the headliner’s final outcome and any post-event notes, are expected from organizers following the conclusion of the card. Steveson remains scheduled to face Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 on July 11, a matchup that will provide another high-profile stage soon after his RAF debut.