RAF signs Abdulrashid Sadulaev 2x Olympic Gold Medalist

The wrestling world was rocked this month when Real American Freestyle (RAF) announced the signing of Abdulrashid Sadulaev, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time world champion widely regarded as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of his generation. The move marks a major milestone for RAF — signaling its rapid rise as the premier professional wrestling destination on the global combat sports landscape.

At just 29 years old, Sadulaev’s résumé is nothing short of historic. Nicknamed “The Russian Tank,” he captured Olympic gold medals for Russia in 2016 (Rio) and 2020 (Tokyo), and has stood atop the podium at multiple World Championships across different weight classes. With a reported career record of 160-6, Sadulaev is one of the most dominant athletes in amateur wrestling history and an immense draw in any competition he enters.

Why Sadulaev’s Signing Matters for RAF

RAF, which launched in 2025 with the goal of professionalizing freestyle wrestling and giving elite grapplers a sustainable competitive home, has made waves by blending high-level talent from both Olympic wrestling and MMA backgrounds. The promotion already boasts names like Bo Nickal, Colby Covington, and Henry Cejudo on its roster, but Sadulaev’s commitment changes the game.

According to RAF CEO Chad Bronstein, Sadulaev’s decision to sign exclusively with the league is “a clear signal that the top tier of the sport now sees RAF as the professional destination,” a statement that underscores just how much credibility his arrival brings. The signing not only boosts RAF’s competitive legitimacy, it also strengthens relationships with broadcasters and global partners — especially as the promotion continues expanding its reach on platforms like Fox Nation.

The presence of Sadulaev also helps bridge the gap between traditional wrestling audiences and combat sports fans. His storied rivalries with U.S. stars like Kyle Snyder and David Taylor — both Olympic champions in their own right — are familiar to fans of international wrestling, and now those narratives could play out under a new professional spotlight.

What’s Next: Potential Matchups and Debut Fights

While RAF has yet to officially announce Sadulaev’s debut date or opponent, speculation is already building around possible dream clashes on the RAF mat:

• Kyle Snyder (USA): The long-running rivalry between Sadulaev and Snyder is one of the most compelling matchups in modern wrestling history. With RAF’s platform now featuring both athletes, a professional showdown would be a massive draw.

• David Taylor (USA): Another top contender who has shared world stage battles with Sadulaev, a match against Taylor would further enhance RAF’s global appeal and showcase elite freestyle wrestling to a broader audience.

• Rising RAF Talent: With the league featuring a mix of accomplished wrestlers and crossover combat athletes, RAF could also push Sadulaev into marquee bouts against rising stars like Assylzhan Yesengeldi, whose own world championship success has put him on the RAF radar.

A Sign of Wrestling’s Professional Evolution

Sadulaev’s decision to join RAF comes amid continued uncertainty surrounding international competition due to geopolitical challenges; he was not allowed to compete at the 2024 Olympics due to restrictions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. For a talent of his stature, RAF offers a way to compete at the highest possible level without the same political obstacles that have limited his recent opportunities.

In many ways, Sadulaev’s signing reflects the broader evolution of wrestling as a professional sport — one that’s no longer confined to Olympic cycles or amateur circuits. With RAF doubling down on quality talent, global broadcasting, and professional incentives, the league appears poised to be the future home for elite wrestlers and crossover competitors alike.

For fans of high-level grappling, the Russian Tank’s arrival in RAF is one of the most exciting developments in years — and wrestling’s professional renaissance may just be getting started.