Real American Freestyle (RAF) confirmed that Gable Steveson will make his promotional debut against UFC and PFL veteran Alexandr Romanov in the main event of RAF 9.
The event is set for Saturday, May 30, at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. This marks a significant homecoming for the 25-year-old Steveson, who has amassed a 3-0 MMA record with three first-round knockouts. Steveson has signed a multi-fight deal with RAF that many see as a precursor to a professional run in the UFC. Romanov transitioned to RAF after a successful UFC career. He previously competed at RAF 02.
The co-headliner features a battle of UFC veterans between Colby Covington and former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. Covington is currently undefeated in RAF, coming off a dominant technical fall victory over Dillon Danis at RAF 07. Weidman makes his RAF debut. He has wrestling pedigree as a two-time NCAA Division I All-American from Hofstra University.