Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia has joined Real American Freestyle, a wrestling promotion led by pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, former World Championship Wrestling senior vice president Eric Bischoff and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez.
The 31-year-old wrestler from Haryana will be fighting in the debut event of the promotion called ‘Real American Freestyle 01 or RAF01’ in Cleveland on 30th August. The promotion has a large roster of Olympic champions and world champion wrestlers such as Aaron Brooks, Ben Askren, Kenneday Blades, and Sarah Hildebrant.
Punia, who is serving a four-year doping ban for refusing to provide samples for dope tests during the national selection trials, will face the 2022 UWW World Championship silver medallist Yianni Diakomihalis. Last time, both wrestlers met at the 2022 World Championships, with Yianni defeating Punia 10-0 in the quarter-finals. Punia had won a bronze medal at the same tournament after going through repechage.
Apart from the wrestlers, the promotion has also roped in multiple MMA fighters such as Bo Nickal of UFC, former Bellator MMA champion Darrion Caldwell and ex-Professional Fighters League title holder Lance Palmer. They have also roped in former UFC star Chael Sonnen as part of the commentary team.
What is Real American Freestyle?
RAF was started by WWE and pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, former WWE executive Eric Bischoff and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez. The organisation’s mission is to “professionalise competitive wrestling and create a platform for elite athletes to compete in front of millions of fans.”
“We set out to make history with Real American Freestyle, and with these matches, we’re doing just that,” Izzy Martinez, Chief Operating Officer of Real American Freestyle, said in a press release. “We’ve got the best wrestlers, the best promoters, the best storytellers, the best production, and the best team, and we’re going to give audiences the thrill of a lifetime on August 30 with RAF01.”
When will the event take place?
The debut event will be held on 30th August in Cleveland, Ohio, with UFC star Bo Nickal, Lance Palmer, Olympic Champion Sarah Hildebrandt and Kennedy Blades headlining the event.
RAF01 Announced Bouts:
– 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
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
