This is the live blog for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Frankie Edgar, an undercard match at RAF 9 from College Park Center in Arlington, Tex. on Saturday night.
One of the top pound-for-pound MMA fighters in the world, Merab Dvalishvili was on the cusp of making history in 2025, attempting to defend his UFC bantamweight title four times in a calendar year. Unfortunately for “The Machine,” he lost his rematch with Petr Yan in December, ruining those plans. Now, Dvalishvili is waiting for a trilogy bout with Yan, and in the meantime, joined up with RAF. Dvalishvili was supposed to make his promotional debut last month at RAF 9 against Henry Cejudo, but “Triple C” pulled out just hours before the event due to injury. Now, Dvalishvili does debut on the RAF mats, against a very different opponent.
A UFC Hall of Famer, Frankie Edgar is a former lightweight champion and one of the most beloved and respected fighters of his generation. But before becoming an MMA icon, “The Answer” was a collegiate wrestling standout for Clarion University. Having retired from MMA in 2022, Edgar now makes his return to competition on the RAF mats.
Check out the live blog for Dvalishvili vs. Edgar below.
Edgar out to some metal song, I don’t know. He’s looking pretty fit for being in his 40s. Merab, meanwhile, is dancing his way out, has the singlet straps off, so he’s shirtless. We’re gonna have some fun.
Hand fight early, Edgar holding the center as Dvalishvili feints the outside. Dvalishvili goes for a throw by but no luck. Collar ties from Dvalishvili and into a shot that Edgar defends, and ref puts Dvalishvili on the shot clock.
Edgar strong in the center as they continue to hand fight. Then Edgar changes levels for a takedown but fails, but Edgar gets the point from the shot clock. Edgar on offense more now, Dvalishvili has an arm wrench but neither man can get anything going. Dvalishvili with another collar tie and then cracks down off it. He tries to pass by but Edgar is stout defensively and no points earned.
Ben Askren notes, correctly, that early on we saw the difference between Merab and Frankie’s experience levels. Dvalishvili was unable to set up any offense, because he’s not really a freestyle wrestler.
Dvalishvili with two-on-one hand fighting but Edgar is shutting everything down. Dvalishvili collapses the space and Edgar goes for a pull trip, but falls down. Dvalishvili jumps on him and Edgar is up and moving, trying to run to space but he steps out.
On the restart, more hand-fighting. But then Dvalishvili levels changes to a single-leg and gets the finish for 2 points. Dvalishvili then stands up. Edgar comes forward, trying to get to the body but Dvalishvili is much quicker. Edgar still pressing the offense, gets a collar tie but Merab spins out. Edgar goes for a duck under but fails. And just before the end, Dvalishvili gets inadvertently popped in the nose with something, holding onto that recently broken nose.
This is really a great performance from Edgar, who is in his mid-40s and hasn’t been competing, much less wrestling lately.
Dvalishvili attacks a snatch single but gives up, and then again. Edgar playing defense and he gets put on the shot clock. But then Dvalishvili gets that snatch single and clean finish on the takedown, with exposure. 4 points, plus the shot clock.
Dvalishvili goes for a leg lace but fails. 8-1 Dvalishvili.
We restart and then a break for blood time as Dvalishvili’s nose is going. Dvalishvili is jumping around as they clean the blood off the mats.
We restart and Dvalishvili still in constant motion. He digs a hook and drives forward. Edgar goes for a sacrifice throw and Dvalishvili smashes through it, getting the takedown and back exposure. Edgar scrambles and Dvalishvili grabs the gut wrench and turns Edgar. They didn’t give him the back exposure earlier, but now he’s got it and that’s done. Tech fall for Dvalishvili.
Merab Dvalishvili def. Frankie Edgar via Tech Fall (12-1) — Period 3
Dvalishvili celebrates with a series of flips. Then he gets to the interview and calls out Henry Cejudo for them to settle their business.
“Show me some Mexican balls, bro!”
He then puts RAF over, saying he loves the promotion and wants to continue competing in it.
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