Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan claimed championship titles as Real American Freestyle (RAF) made its Middle East debut at a sold-out Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday.
Representing the UAE, Chimaev dominated former UFC champion Chris Weidman in the main event, winning by technical fall in under two minutes to take the Light Heavyweight Crossover Championship.
Tsarukyan also won by technical fall, beating Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Neiman Gracie 10-0 in the opening round to secure the Catchweight Crossover Championship.
One of the biggest surprises of the night came from 21-year-old Saba Lazishvili, who stepped in as a late replacement and defeated UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber 12-7 on his professional debut.
Merab Dvalishvili also impressed the Abu Dhabi crowd, recovering from an early deficit to beat Marlon Moraes by pinfall in under 90 seconds.
Other winners included Kennedy Blades, Kyle Snyder, Jordan Burroughs, Abdulrashid Sadulaev, Zabit Magomedsharipov and Kyle Dake.
The 13-bout event marked RAF’s first appearance in the Middle East, with organisers saying they plan to build on the partnership with Abu Dhabi following the sell-out debut.
Tyrrell Hatton wins DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy seals Race to Dubai
Banton century helps England level series against Australia
India clinch ODI series after dramatic collapse derails New Zealand chase
Andreeva beats Pegula, will face Svitolina in WTA Finals championship match
Denmark thrash Portugal on night of Ronaldo tributes
