​Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo dueled once again in a live wrestling showdown on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at RAF Georgia, broadcast on Fox Nation from Tbilisi, Georgia. Coming two years after their UFC clash, Dvalishvili extended his unbeaten streak against the former Olympic champion by pulling off a miraculous comeback in front of a raucous home crowd.
The bout opened with an impressive burst of technical wrestling from Cejudo, who managed to slip behind Dvalishvili for an early score and then gut-wrenched the Georgian standout twice, building a commanding early lead. Dvalishvili found himself in danger of a technical fall but steadied himself, slowed the pace, and gradually worked back to his feet.
With the score buried at 8-0 late in the first period, Dvalishvili found his footing and managed to put points on the board with an arm drag right as the bell rang, seizing the momentum as the match progressed. He added a second takedown late in the second frame, and his relentless pace began to wear on the 39-year-old Olympian, who is renowned for his conditioning and elite wrestling IQ.
In the third period, Dvalishvili nearly pinned Cejudo with a four-point throw, signaling a shift in momentum that would become decisive. He added another takedown before the final bell, closing the gap and ultimately taking control of the match in the late stages. After a furious rally, Dvalishvili had racked up 11 unanswered points following Cejudo’s initial flurry, a testament to his resilience and relentless pace.
Video highlights captured the dramatic sequence, showcasing Dvalishvili’s ability to adapt and dominate on the mat even when down on the scorecards and far from neutral territory. The question many fans and analysts are asking is whether Henry Cejudo, still regarded as one of wrestling’s most versatile competitors, is in his prime as a wrestler. The consensus, reflected by this performance, is that Cejudo remains formidable, but Dvalishvili’s decisive comeback and home-country triumph underscored the Georgian contender’s growing dominance in this head-to-head series.
This matchup adds another legendary moment to the storied careers of both fighters. Cejudo’s prowess and experience were on full display, yet Dvalishvili’s perseverance, improved technique, and strategic pressure ultimately earned the victory in a contest staged in front of a fervent, patriotic crowd. The win further cements Dvalishvili’s reputation as one of the premier wrestlers in mixed martial arts-style combat, capable of thriving in a pure wrestling setting against one of the sport’s most accomplished veterans.
For fans seeking more RAF Georgia results, coverage, and highlights, more details and video recaps are available by following the event coverage links. This bout will be remembered as a standout example of how a high-level grappling exchange can hinge on momentum shifts, crowd energy, and the unyielding drive of a fighter who refuses to concede. The result adds a notable chapter to the ongoing rivalry between Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo, and it leaves the door open for potential future rematches or cross-disciplinary matchups in the ever-evolving landscape of MMA and wrestling crossover events.