UFC legends Chad Mendes and Michael Chandler will be lending their experience and their talent to Real American Freestyle.
They have officially joined the roster and will face off against one another on the RAF03 fight card at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL, on November 29.
RAF stated:
“In partnership with USA Wrestling, UFC, NIL and MMA organizations, and the NCAA, athletes can compete regardless of their NCAA or contractual status, providing crucial opportunities for wrestlers at the start and in the prime of their careers. Real American Freestyle for the first time presents a supplementary option and professional stage for one of the world’s oldest, most beloved sports. Seeking to provide an opportunity for the best athletes to compete and showcase their talent, Real American Freestyle offers a dynamic, modern approach to coverage of wrestling.”
“Bringing Mendes and Chandler to the RAF mat is a full-circle moment for wrestling. These are world-class fighters who never lost their connection to the sport that made them,” said Chad Bronstein, CEO and co-founder of Real American Freestyle. “This matchup proves what RAF is all about – giving elite athletes a platform to come home and remind the world where greatness begins.”
Mendes and Chandler join other MMA stars affiliated with Real American Freestyle, including Bo Nickal, Julianna Pena, Holly Holm, Alexandr Romanov, Ben Askren, Chael Sonnen, Bubba Jenkins, Pat Downey, Darrion Caldwell and more.
At RAF03, Mendes will face off against Chandler in a highly anticipated matchup between two mixed martial arts titans. Additional notable wrestlers so far announced on the card include recent signing, high school phenom, and World Champion, Bo Bassett, who will see a hungry Darrion Caldwell seeking redemption following his loss in Cleveland against Real Woods at RAF01.
“For the first time, wrestlers have real options after college. RAF gives them a new lane to compete, get paid and keep doing what they love,” said Izzy Martinez, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Real American Freestyle. “Having legends like Mendes and Chandler join the roster shows how powerful that opportunity is.”
Top Photo: Michael Chandler and Chad Mendes, Courtesy: Facebook.
