Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia is set to make a significant return to the mat, joining Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling promotion co-founded by iconic pro wrestler Hulk Hogan.
Punia Joins a New Wrestling Era
The 31-year-old Indian wrestler is preparing to compete in the promotion’s inaugural event, “Real American Freestyle 01” (RAF01). This highly anticipated event is scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland.
Real American Freestyle is a venture led by a powerful trio: wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, former World Championship Wrestling senior vice president Eric Bischoff, and renowned wrestling coach Izzy Martinez.
A High-Stakes Rematch for Punia
Bajrang Punia, who is currently serving a four-year doping ban for refusing to provide samples, will face a formidable opponent in Yianni Diakomihalis. Diakomihalis is the 2022 UWW World Championship silver medalist.
Their last encounter was at the 2022 World Championships, where Diakomihalis dominated, defeating Punia 10-0 in the quarter-finals. Punia eventually secured a bronze medal at that same tournament through the repechage round.
What is Real American Freestyle?
RAF aims to revolutionize competitive wrestling by “professionalizing” the sport. Their core mission is to create a major platform for elite athletes to showcase their skills to millions of fans globally.
“We set out to make history with Real American Freestyle, and with these matches, we’re doing just that,” stated Izzy Martinez, the Chief Operating Officer of RAF. He emphasized the promotion’s commitment to delivering a thrilling experience with top-tier wrestlers, promoters, and production.
Star-Studded Roster and Commentary
Punia is joining an impressive roster of wrestling and combat sports talent. The promotion has signed Olympic and World Champions such as Aaron Brooks, Ben Askren, Kennedy Blades, and Sarah Hildebrandt.
In addition to traditional wrestlers, RAF has also brought in several mixed martial arts (MMA) stars. UFC’s Bo Nickal, former Bellator MMA champion Darrion Caldwell, and ex-Professional Fighters League title holder Lance Palmer are among the big names. Former UFC star Chael Sonnen is also part of the commentary team, adding to the excitement.
Don’t Miss RAF01
The debut event, RAF01, will take place on August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio. The card features several high-profile bouts, with UFC star Bo Nickal, Lance Palmer, Olympic Champion Sarah Hildebrandt, and Kennedy Blades headlining the event.
Announced Bouts for RAF01:
- Bo Nickal vs. Jacob Cardenas
- Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia
- Darrion Caldwell vs. Real Woods
- Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer
- Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Rivera
- Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Zeltzin Hernandez
This new promotion promises to bring fresh energy and high-level competition to the world of wrestling, offering a unique platform for athletes and fans alike.
