48-year-old Yoel Romero became the RAF freestyle wrestling league champion

On December 20 in Indianapolis, the RAF 4 tournament took place — the fourth event of the new Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling league. The league is held in a format stylistically similar to the UFC. Active wrestlers, Olympic athletes, and MMA fighters compete in RAF.

The main event of the evening was a light heavyweight bout, where 48-year-old Yoel Romero confidently defeated 33-year-old Patrick Downey by a score of 12:0. The Cuban veteran showcased an outstanding level of wrestling, speed, and physical conditioning, leaving his opponent no chance. This victory made Romero the first RAF light heavyweight champion.

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It is already known that Romero’s next opponent will be promising UFC fighter Bo Nickal, which is expected to generate even more interest in the new project.

One of the biggest upsets of the tournament was the loss of reigning freestyle wrestling world champion Zahid Valencia, who was defeated by Parker Keckisen. Notably, Keckisen had previously failed to make the U.S. national team but made a strong statement at RAF 4.

RAF 4 Tournament Results

• Wyatt Hendrickson (USA) defeated Mason Parris (USA) to become heavyweight champion

• Yoel Romero (Cuba) defeated Patrick Downey (USA) to become light heavyweight champion

• David Carr (USA) defeated Belal Muhammad (USA)

• Kennedy Blades (USA) defeated Alara Boyd (USA)

• Magomed Kadimagomedov (Belarus) defeated Dustin Plott (USA)

• Dick Hamiti (USA) defeated Evan Wick (USA)

• Parker Keckisen (USA) defeated Zahid Valencia (USA)

• Trent Hidlay (USA) defeated Jacob Cardenas (USA)

• Jason Nolf (USA) defeated Andy Varela (USA)

The RAF 4 tournament confirmed the ambitions of the new league and demonstrated that the “UFC-style freestyle wrestling” format can attract big names and create unexpected sports storylines.