Two of mixed martial arts’ most accomplished athletes are returning to their competitive roots, trading the octagon for the wrestling mat in a move that highlights the growing influence of Real American Freestyle.
Michael Chandler and Chad Mendes have officially signed with the upstart wrestling promotion, and fans won’t have to wait long to see them in action. The pair will headline RAF03 on November 29 at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena, marking the organization’s third major event since its establishment.
For both competitors, this represents a homecoming of sorts. Before either man became a household name in MMA, they distinguished themselves on wrestling mats across the country. Chandler earned All-American honors at the University of Missouri where he also finished as runner-up at the Big 12 Championships on two occasions. Mendes carved out an even more impressive collegiate resume at Cal Poly, becoming a two-time All-American.
The significance of landing such high-profile talent hasn’t been lost on the promotion’s leadership. RAF CEO Chad Bronstein emphasized what this signing means for the organization’s mission.
“Bringing Mendes and Chandler to the RAF mat is a full-circle moment for wrestling. These are world-class MMA stars who never lost their connection to the sport that made them,”
Bronstein explained.
“This matchup proves what RAF is all about – giving elite athletes a platform to come home and remind the world where greatness begins.”
The November showdown adds to an already impressive roster that has been taking shape since the promotion’s launch earlier this year. Real American Freestyle, co-founded by the late Hulk Hogan alongside Bronstein, has successfully attracted several crossover stars from the MMA world including
