Hundreds of young wrestlers are expected in Abu Dhabi next month as Real American Freestyle (RAF) prepares to stage its first international Next Gen tournament on 14 and 15 November.
The competition will feature four age groups, U11, U13, U15 and U17, with girls’ divisions included at U13 and U15.
Qualifying rounds will take place at NYU Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island on Saturday, 14 November. The following day, the finalists will compete at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, the same venue hosting RAF’s professional wrestling event.
Athletes can earn RAF ranking points and potentially qualify for future championship events. The competition will follow United World Wrestling rules under the supervision of the UAE Wrestling Federation.
Chad Bronstein, RAF’s chief executive and co-founder, said:
“Bringing young athletes from different countries to Abu Dhabi and giving them the chance to compete on the same stage as the sport’s biggest names is exactly the kind of pathway wrestling needs more of.”
Young wrestlers to share stage with professional stars
RAF’s arrival in Abu Dhabi was announced in September under a five-year agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and the UAE Wrestling Federation.
Its opening professional event takes place on 14 November, with Khamzat Chimaev, who competes under the UAE flag, facing Colby Covington for the RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship.
The card also includes established wrestling and MMA names, including Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev.
RAF launched its Next Gen programme in the United States earlier this year, providing competitive opportunities for young wrestlers.
The Abu Dhabi tournament will be its first overseas event.
How to register for RAF Next Gen Abu Dhabi
Registration is open to eligible wrestlers across the announced age and weight divisions.
The entry fee is AED 150 per athlete, with international entries limited to nine places per weight category.
According to the official RAF Next Gen event information, the competition schedule is:
- 13 November: Weigh-ins at NYU Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 7pm.
- 14 November: Qualifying competition at NYU Abu Dhabi, 9am to 3pm.
- 15 November: Championship finals at Etihad Arena, 12pm to 5pm.
Athletes can complete their RAF Next Gen Abu Dhabi registration on Smoothcomp. Places are limited in each weight category.
