Real American Freestyle announced its upcoming debut in a major combat sports market. The wrestling promotion will host RAF 14 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ BleauLive Theater on Oct. 3.
The move checks off another important market for RAF as it continues building momentum and expanding its reach. Las Vegas is considered the combat sports capital, making this a step in the right direction following the promotion’s debuts in Milwaukee and St. Louis.
RAF can capitalize on the name recognition of some of its wrestlers, particularly current and former UFC stars, to generate more interest in Las Vegas. Given the UFC’s schedule, it is unclear whether the promotion has an event planned for that night. However, RAF 14 is still expected to feature a strong MMA presence.
Several UFC stars have already competed on the RAF mats, including Arman Tsarukyan, Michael Chandler, and Colby Covington.
According to RAF’s press release, the event at Fontainebleau Las Vegas will be must-see.
“Bringing Olympic champions, World champions, NCAA standouts, and MMA crossover stars together for a blockbuster night at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.”
RAF 14 will stream live on FOX Nation. Matchups for the event will also be announced at a later date. Fans interested in pre-sale ticket access can register on the promotion’s official website: realamericanfreestyle.com.
CEO Chad Bronstein Weighs In on RAF 14
Real American Freestyle CEO and co-founder Chad Bronstein shared his thoughts on the latest announcement regarding RAF 14. He has been actively promoting the wrestling promotion alongside co-founders Eric Bischoff and Israel Martinez.
The three co-founders have quickly built a viable platform for amateur wrestlers and MMA fighters to compete. For Bronstein, RAF 14 is a milestone and further proof that the promotion can become the standard to professional freestyle wrestling.
“From day one, the vision for RAF was to build a platform big enough for the best wrestlers in the world and the biggest moments in sports,” Bronstein said in a press release. “Las Vegas represents that better than anywhere. Fontainebleau is an incredible stage, and we’re bringing together the best athletes in the world for a night that’s going to feel massive.”
Will Georges St-Pierre join Real American Freestyle for RAF 14?
Georges St-Pierre has been one of the biggest names linked to a potential RAF wrestling match. Covington issued a challenge and expressed interest in facing him while doing media ahead of his matchups.
Speaking exclusively to Heavy Sports, Covington said he was optimistic that the former UFC welterweight champion would accept. However, he noted that ‘Rush’ may want additional time to adequately prepare.
St-Pierre recently addressed the possibility to returning to competition, including for an RAF wrestling match. The Canadian said that he is focusing on other ventures this summer, but did not rule anything out for later in the year.
“I won’t be able to compete this summer because I’m very busy. I’m not saying I’m never going to do it. Just right now, I’m starting this YouTube channel and I have a lot of projects, and I want to be competing on my terms,” St-Pierre told MMA Junkie. “If I do [compete], it might be more in the fall.”
The timing of St-Pierre potentially being open to competing in the fall lines up with RAF 14, which takes place on Oct. 3.
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