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UFC middleweight contender Shara Magomedov is set to make his Real American Freestyle debut against former Bellator title challenger Neiman Gracie at the promotion’s upcoming event in Moscow. The grappling showdown will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, on a card headlined by Khamzat Chimaev vs. Tyron Woodley.
Real American Freestyle has added another high-profile matchup to its upcoming Moscow event, bringing together two fighters with very different backgrounds in combat sports.
Magomedov, better known as “Shara Bullet,” will step onto the wrestling mat against Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Gracie. Both men will be making their first appearances for RAF.
The promotion officially announced the matchup on Monday.
Shara Magomedov Returns to Grappling
Magomedov most recently competed at UFC Fight Night 280 in June, earning a unanimous decision victory over Michel Pereira in the co-main event.
While the Russian is best known for his striking inside the Octagon, this will not be his first test in grappling competition.
Before his latest UFC appearance, Magomedov competed in two grappling matches under the Hype FC banner. He fought to draws against UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and veteran Edson Barboza.
Those appearances gave Magomedov an opportunity to test his grappling against experienced MMA opposition, but facing a specialist of Gracie’s caliber represents a different challenge.
Neiman Gracie Brings Elite Grappling Credentials
Gracie has not competed in MMA since August 2024, when he suffered a defeat against Magomed Umalatov in the PFL.
The Brazilian previously established himself as one of Bellator’s leading welterweights. In 2019, he challenged Rory MacDonald for the Bellator welterweight championship but came up short against the Canadian.
Gracie went on to compile a 4-5 record following his title challenge.
His credentials on the mat, however, remain formidable. Gracie returned to pure grappling competition at ADXC 1 in 2023, where he submitted former UFC and WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Tyron Woodley Headlines RAF Moscow
The Magomedov-Gracie matchup adds further intrigue to a RAF Moscow card already featuring a major attraction.
The event will be headlined by a wrestling match between Khamzat Chimaev and Tyron Woodley, bringing two of MMA’s most recognizable names together on the mat.
With Magomedov taking on an accomplished submission specialist in Gracie, RAF Moscow is shaping up to feature an intriguing mix of MMA star power and high-level grappling.
