(Video) Henry Cejudo Upsets Merab Dvalishvili in RAF Rematch to Snap Losing Run Against The Georgian

Former UFC two divisional champion Henry Cejudo finally gains the upper edge over Merab Dvalishvili at RAF 12.

(Video) Henry Cejudo Upsets Merab Dvalishvili in RAF Rematch to Snap Losing Run Against The Georgian

Henry Cejudo defeats Merab Dvalishvili at RAF 12 (via Bloody Elbow, MMA Fighting)

Henry Cejudo built his legacy as a two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist before retiring from the UFC. After a difficult run in recent years, Cejudo returned to wrestling and defeated Urijah Faber at RAF 6. He has now secured another RAF victory by taking revenge on Merab Dvalishvili at RAF 12.

Their first meeting took place at RAF Georgia, where Cejudo and Dvalishvili faced each other in a wrestling contest. Cejudo started strongly and built an 8-0 lead during the match. However, the Georgian superstar responded with 11 unanswered points to complete the comeback and secure an 11-8 victory.

Cejudo entered the RAF 12 rematch determined to avoid another comeback from Dvalishvili. He immediately scored a four-point takedown before trapping Dvalishvili on the mat and securing the pin. The referee stopped the contest after just 36 seconds. The win also crowned ‘Triple C’ as RAF’s newest crossover champion.

The RAF 12 bout also completed their trilogy, following their UFC 298 meeting in 2024. Dvalishvili dominated Cejudo with relentless pressure and wrestling, carrying him during one sequence. He eventually secured a unanimous decision, making their latest RAF meeting a chance for the former two-division champion to avenge that defeat.

The victory also made Cejudo the RAF lightweight crossover champion, making him only the second fighter to win the belt under the promotion. Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington was the first, defeating Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11 to become the inaugural cruiserweight crossover champion.

Interestingly, the RAF 12 victory marks Cejudo’s first championship since May 2020, when he defended the UFC bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz. Cejudo won by second-round TKO before retiring from MMA. He returned in 2023 but failed to reclaim the title against Aljamain Sterling. Now, over six years later, Cejudo holds a belt again.

The loss to Sterling began a disappointing UFC run for Cejudo following his return to competition. He then lost to Dvalishvili at UFC 298 before suffering a technical decision defeat against Song Yadong after an eye poke. Cejudo’s struggles continued against Payton Talbott at UFC 323, with another loss eventually leading him to retire.

Henry Cejudo has previously expressed regret over retiring from MMA after a difficult stretch late in his career. However, his RAF 12 victory over a former rival gives the 39-year-old a significant return to winning ways. The result also gives ‘Triple C’ another championship and adds a new chapter to his combat sports career.

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Henry Cejudo weighs in on the recent debate regarding the MMA GOAT

Islam Makhachev set a new UFC record at UFC 330 by earning his 17th consecutive victory. His unanimous decision win over Ian Garry surpassed Anderson Silva’s previous record of 16 straight wins. The Dagestani superstar also became the fifth fighter in UFC history to defend a title in a second division.

Makhachev’s record-breaking UFC 330 victory has strengthened his case in the GOAT debate. His two-division championship success has placed him firmly among the sport’s all-time greats. However, Jon Jones has questioned Makhachev’s credentials, refusing to surrender the GOAT mantle he has held for years.

Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo (via MMA Fighting)

Henry Cejudo has long admired Makhachev’s dominance, particularly his control and effectiveness on the ground. The Dagestani star has built an impressive legacy through his championship success and sustained winning streak. However, Cejudo still believes Makhachev needs more achievements before receiving GOAT status.

To say ‘The GOAT,’ that’s Jon Jones. That’s crazy for people to still doubt that. I don’t think unless he’s going to go on a tear and fight for many years to come, which I don’t think, but I would probably put him ahead of GSP. Stop me when I lie. I’ve got Jon Jones, never lost. What is it? Sixteen, 17 title fights. You’ve got Demetrious Johnson with 11 consecutive title fights, and then I would go Anderson Silva with 10 title defenses. And then I would probably go either GSP or Islam Makhachev at 4.

Henry Cejudo via MMA Junkie

Cejudo was once part of the GOAT conversation after becoming an Olympic gold medalist and two-division UFC champion. Wins over Demetrious Johnson, T.J. Dillashaw, and Dominick Cruz strengthened his legacy. Those achievements give Cejudo a unique perspective on Makhachev’s growing GOAT case.

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