Dawn, FL (January 11, 2026) – Actual American Freestyle (RAF), the primary unscripted pro-wrestling league for one of the best athletes on this planet, held its fifth occasion, RAF05, at Amerant Financial institution Area in Dawn, FL. Below the chief route of Chad Bronstein, Izzy Martinez, and Eric Bischoff, Actual American Freestyle delivered its greatest occasion but. RAF05 was offered completely by way of FOX Nation on reside broadcast, with help from companions Actual American Beer, Takedown, and Novartis.
Georgio Poullas kicked off RAF05 with a powerful first spherical win in opposition to Keelon ‘Mugzy’ Jimison by technical fall. Pat Lugo dominated Johnni DiJulius within the featherweight bout, pulling off a win within the second spherical. The much-anticipated heavyweight battle between Steve Mocco and Mostafa Elders resulted in a win from Elders after a tense forwards and backwards. After a robust begin from Cayden Henschell, Bo Bassett took management of the match and earned his win within the first spherical. Austin DeSanto defeated Bantamweight World Champion Nathan Tomasello to say the belt after an thrilling win within the second spherical. Zahid Valencia confronted off in opposition to Nate Jackson, and Valencia took residence the win after a tense three rounds.
Stephen Buchanan introduced residence the win in opposition to Yoel Romero by technical fall with a remaining rating of 10-0. The extremely awaited rematch between Jordan Oliver and Actual Woods, resulted in an electrifying win for Oliver. The light-weight match between Arman Tsarukyan and Lance Palmer resulted in a dominant first spherical win for Tsarukyan. Within the Cruiserweight Championship Match, fan favourite Kyle Dake defeated Magomedkhabib “Kadik” Kadimagomedov to defend his title and preserve his belt.
The extremely anticipated primary card cruiserweight match between Colby Covington and Luke Rockhold resulted in an unbelievable win from Covington, proving he’s able to wrestle in opposition to anybody who calls out his identify.
After dominating Luke Rockhold in the primary occasion, Colby Covington calls out GSP to a match in @RAFWrestlingUSA 🤼♂️ #RAF05 pic.twitter.com/FlBb2oR7XC
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) January 11, 2026
To the followers’ delight, Henry Cejudo made a particular look on stage, following a name out from Bo Bassett. Nation singer Brantley Gilbert shocked the group by strolling Colby Covington out earlier than his struggle. Additionally, Michael Chandler shocked the group, difficult Jordan Burroughs and Eddie Alvarez to compete in opposition to him at Actual American Freestyle.
Professional evaluation and commentary from Cyrus Charges, Kurt Angle, Chael Sonnen, and Julianna Pena was informative and thrilling, offering followers in individual and watching throughout the nation an inside POV into the game. Earlier than RAF05 the league held its kickoff press convention on the Amerant Financial institution Area, which featured the whole struggle card. Hosted by Chad Bronstein and Izzy Martinez, the occasion gave company and people watching a style of RAF’s passionate athletes.
Occasion Quotes:
• “I believe for me, he simply signed with RAF, and I believe he’s going to deal with enterprise on the following card,” stated Bo Bassett when requested about who he desires to compete in opposition to sooner or later. “An excessive amount of respect to name him out however I believe the followers would wish to see a match with me and Henry Cejudo.”• “It’s a dream come true,” stated Colby Covington when requested about the way it felt competing in his hometown. “To have all these followers out right here is totally unbelievable. The South Florida followers actually confirmed out they usually confirmed that they actually love wrestling out right here. Grateful to Actual American Freestyle. Grateful to Chad Bronstein, Izzy Martinez, Eric Bischoff, for placing this present on. I can’t anticipate the following one.”• “The primary time I wrestled Kadik, I used to be placing a whole lot of strain on myself,” stated Kyle Dake. “It was one thing I actually wished. I nearly ignored it. I discovered a lesson, with the ability to exit and wrestle each match prefer it’s an important.”• “What folks don’t see behind the scenes is each occasion we’ve…chaos,” stated Chad Bronstein when requested about shuffling matchups the day of. “Individuals don’t see that however the group works collectively…Each present we’re simply attempting to evolve and make modifications to make one of the best present…that’s our purpose.”• “When Dan Cormier desires to place his sneakers on and get again on the mat, who wouldn’t wish to see two former Olympians, identical age, identical physique kind, go at it,” stated Izzy Martinez. “We received fantasy matchups, however they’re not fantasy as a result of they’re rattling close to near actuality.”
The following Actual American Freestyle occasion – RAF06 – can be held on February 28 at Mullet Area in Tempe, Arizona. The struggle card will embody Henry Cejudo, Urijah Faber, Evan Wick, Keegan O’Toole, Muhammad Mokaev, Bryce Meredith, and extra to be introduced within the coming weeks.
