RAF 3 Delivers Wrestling Thrills: Chandler Edges Mendes in Main Event, UFC Stars Shine and Stumble on the Mat
In a night brimming with high-stakes grapples and unexpected comebacks, Real American Freestyle 3 (RAF 3) lit up the wrestling world on Saturday, showcasing a rare blend of UFC veterans dusting off their collegiate roots for pure freestyle action. Held under the RAF banner a promotion that’s carving out a niche by luring MMA heavyweights back to the mats the event delivered non-stop intensity, with former Bellator champ Michael Chandler claiming top honors in a gritty decision over ex-UFC contender Chad Mendes.
The main event pitted two Midwest wrestling legends against each other in a three-period showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. Chandler, no stranger to high-pressure battles both in MMA cages and Olympic trials, controlled the pace early, surging to a 3-0 lead after the first period thanks to a slick roll and a passivity call on Mendes. Grip fights dominated the exchanges, punctuated by an accidental eye poke and a few head clashes that left noticeable swelling around Mendes’ eye though the former NCAA All-American powered through without pause. Chandler sealed the 4-1 victory with a late pushout in the final frame, proving his evolution as a grappler since his college days.
Post-match, the 39-year-old Chandler, fresh off a UFC run that includes wars with Dustin Poirier and Tony Ferguson, turned his gaze to even bigger prey. “I’d like to say since 2009, there was a guy out there from the Midwest in the Big 12, who beat me a couple of times that I haven’t been able to get him off my mind,” Chandler roared to the crowd. “Jordan Burroughs, this ain’t 2009! I’m bigger, I’m faster, I’m stronger, I’m more dangerous! Jump in the RAF ring with me, if you dare.” The challenge to the Olympic gold medalist and multi-time world champ Burroughs electrified the arena, hinting at RAF’s potential to host dream freestyle matchups that could rival MMA superfights.
The co-main event was a clinic in dominance as Pat Downey, stepping in on short notice for an injured Corey Anderson, dismantled UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley via technical fall at 12-0. Downey wasted no time, opening with a perfectly timed throw before hoisting and slamming Buckley to the canvas for the emphatic finish. The Pennsylvania native, a 2024 Olympic alternate with a decorated Penn State pedigree, later called out surging wrestler Bo Nickal—set to clash with Yoel Romero in an MMA bout this December—adding fuel to the promotion’s growing list of crossover intrigue.
Rounding out the marquee bouts, rising star Cayden Henschel treated fans to a shutout masterclass, blanking UFC Hall of Famer Clay Guida 11-0 in another technical fall. Henschel dictated every scramble, racking up points with fluid chain wrestling that left the 43-year-old “Scrappy” chasing shadows in his wrestling return. In the women’s showcase, Alexis Gomez pulled off the night’s most dramatic turnaround, rallying from a mid-match deficit to edge 2028 Olympic hopeful Bella Mir 7-3. Mir, daughter of UFC legend Frank Mir, controlled the early scoring with relentless pressure, but Gomez’s late takedown and explosive turns flipped the script, reigniting a budding rivalry that’s sure to simmer.
RAF 3’s appeal lies in its unfiltered celebration of freestyle roots, drawing battle-tested UFC names like Mendes (a two-time national champ), Buckley (a knockout artist testing his ground game), and Guida (a 30-plus fight vet embracing the mat). While no major injuries derailed the card—despite those tense moments in the main—the event underscored the physical poetry of wrestling, where a single slip can rewrite the scoreline. As RAF builds momentum, Chandler’s bold callout and Downey’s poise signal this promotion isn’t just a side gig for MMA stars; it’s a proving ground that could reshape athletic legacies.
For fans craving more mat mayhem, RAF’s fusion of pro wrestling pedigree and MMA flair promises bigger cards ahead. Whether you’re a purist or a hybrid sports junkie, nights like this remind us why the sport’s timeless: heart, hustle, and just enough chaos to keep the takedowns coming.
This coverage draws from on-site reports and fighter statements. Follow RAF for updates on potential Burroughs-Chandler clashes and beyond.
