When Real American Freestyle (RAF) packs a match card with Olympic medalists, World Champions, and MMA superstars, combat sports fans know they’re in for an absolute spectacle. RAF 13 was no exception. Going down this past Friday evening under the bright lights in South Florida, the event proved once again why RAF has become one of the most electric, high-stakes events in combat sports today.

Founded by Chad Bronstein, Izzy Martinez, and Eric Bischoff, RAF continues to stake its claim across the wrestling and MMA landscapes. The organization’s mission remains simple yet impactful: create a premier platform where elite athletes across combat sports can continue to compete at the highest level while earning significant pay along the way. Judging by the packed house and high energy in Miami, that formula is paying massive dividends.

For local fans back home tracking the Philly Wrestling scene, RAF 13 provided plenty to cheer about, headlined by impressive performances from two familiar local names making noise on the international stage.

The Philadelphia area and South Jersey combat sports communities always bring the noise when one of their own takes the stage, and Vineland native Joe Pyfer gave them plenty of reason to celebrate on Friday night.

Currently ranked as the #4 contender in the UFC middleweight division, Pyfer stepped into the Light Heavyweight Crossover bout against former UFC champion Luke Rockhold. This was Pyfer’s first formal wrestling competition since his high school days at Schalick High School near Vineland, NJ and later Penncrest High School in Media, PA. If there was any rust to shake off, Pyfer certainly didn't show it.

From the opening whistle, Pyfer imposed his power and pace, controlling the center of the mat and neutralizing Rockhold’s attacks. Driving through underhooks, attacking legs, and racking up turns, Pyfer showcased the explosive athleticism that has made him a household name in the UFC. He blitzed Rockhold to take a dominating 13-3 technical fall, proving that his Philly area wrestling grit runs deep. Watching a local favorite dominate a former UFC Champion under freestyle rules was easily one of the highlights of the night for the local faithful.

If Pyfer’s performance was a clinic in power, the Cruiserweight battle between Pennsylvania folkstyle legend Chance Marsteller and Greek World Champion Georgios Kougioumtsidis was an absolute war.

Earning well-deserved "Fight of the Night" honors, this match delivered relentless hand-fighting, high-level scrambling, and late-game drama. Marsteller, a legendary figure in PA wrestling circles known for his technical prowess in both offense and defense with a solid, nearly impenetrable stance, found himself locked in a chess match against Kougioumtsidis' world-class defense and counter-attacks.

With the clock ticking down in the final period and trailing by two points, Marsteller dug deep into his Pennsylvania roots. Finding an opening during a wild exchange near the edge, Marsteller hit a spectacular four-point throw late in the match to turn the tide. The big move fired up the crowd in the arena and secured an 8-6 decision for the PA native, closing out an instant classic that could set the stage for future world level competitions.

In the night's marquee matchups, the MMA crossover stars showed that their wrestling acumen remains razor-sharp.

The main event saw UFC star Colby Covington clash with Belal Muhammad in a highly anticipated Cruiserweight Crossover Championship bout. Covington came out pushing a furious tempo, overwhelming Muhammad from start to finish. Showing non-stop pace and technical control, Covington shutout Muhammad, cruising to a 10-0 technical fall for the win.

In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev put on a dominant display against fan favorite Gilbert Burns in a Catchweight Crossover showdown. Chimaev’s relentless pressure and heavy top control were on full display as he racked up points quickly, securing a convincing 15-4 victory over Burns.

Full RAF 13 Results

Catchweight Crossover

  • Mugzy BullJunk def. The Real Tarzann via FALL

Middleweight

  • Cesar Alvan def. Jeremiah Moody via FALL

Lightweight

  • Jacori Teemer def. Haji Aliyev, 9-6

Featherweight Crossover Championship

  • Cayden Henschel def. Johnni DiJulius, 7-2

Welterweight

  • Bryce Meredith def. Movlid Khaybulaev, 17-13

Cruiserweight (Fight of the Night)

  • Chance Marsteller def. Georgios Kougioumtsidis, 8-6

Middleweight Championship

  • Jason Nolf def. Julian Ramirez, 7-6

Light Heavyweight Crossover

  • Joe Pyfer def. Luke Rockhold via Tech Fall, 13-3

Catchweight

  • Timur Bizhoev def. Michael Caliendo, 5-4

Bantamweight Championship

  • Arsen Harutyunyan def. Austin DeSanto, 6-3

Middleweight Championship

  • Kennedy Blades def. Diana Avsaragova via FALL

Catchweight Crossover (Co-Main Event)

  • Khamzat Chimaev def. Gilbert Burns, 15-4

Cruiserweight Crossover Championship (Main Event)

  • Colby Covington def. Belal Muhammad via Tech Fall, 10-0

Another massive night for Real American Freestyle is in the books. With local standouts like Joe Pyfer and Chance Marsteller continuing to light up the stage alongside global superstars, RAF 13 proved that freestyle wrestling's newest evolution is here to stay.

From Real American Freestyle:

“In partnership with the UFC, USA Wrestling, NIL organizations and the NCAA, athletes can compete in RAF regardless of status, creating meaningful opportunities for wrestlers at both the emerging and elite levels of their careers. Members of the RAF roster benefit from access to world-class production, promotion and storytelling, while also competing for championship purses and performance bonuses in full compliance with NCAA regulations.”

“Real American Freestyle (RAF) is the first unscripted professional freestyle wrestling league and the new professional home for the sport’s elite. Founded by Chad Bronstein, Israel Martinez, and Eric Bischoff, RAF launched in 2025 to give Olympic champions, World Champions, NCAA standouts, and top MMA crossover athletes a global platform to compete at the highest level.”

“RAF brings freestyle wrestling to a modern fight-night stage, competing under USA Wrestling rules with real stakes, high-level production, and broadcast storytelling built for today’s audience. RAF allows athletes to build careers, grow personal brands, and reach a global fanbase. All RAF events stream live exclusively on FOX Nation.”

Stay tuned to Philly Wrestling for more local updates and coverage. Next up for Real American Freestyle is RAF 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 23, 2026. In this event, seven time World and Olympic Champion Jordan Burroughs is set to take on Michael Caliendo in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

📸: Real American Freestyle