Merab Dvalishvili had to work through a stubborn first period from Frankie Edgar before “The Machine” took over at RAF 9.
Dvalishvili defeated Edgar by 12-1 technical fall in Period 3 on May 30, 2026, at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. Edgar led early, Dvalishvili found his takedowns in the second, and the match broke open once the pace stacked up in the third.
Dvalishvili originally expected Henry Cejudo at RAF 8, but Cejudo withdrew hours before that event due to injury. Edgar stepped in for RAF 9, bringing UFC Hall of Fame status, a former lightweight title reign, and a real wrestling base from Clarion University.
Merab gets it done vs. Frankie and celebrates like only Merab can 😆 pic.twitter.com/cDsO8udYe3
— Matthew Wells (@MrMWells) May 31, 2026
RAF 09 | Merab Dvalishvili (GEO) over Frankie Edgar (USA), 12-1 TF.
Merab at first seemed a bit lost, but he was able to figure something out and get the tech. But props to Frankie for stepping onto the mat at 45 years old!
Merab also called out Cejudo. pic.twitter.com/WRheMIeKw2
— InfaWrest (@InfaWrest) May 31, 2026
Dvalishvili Breaks It Open After Edgar’s Strong First Period
Edgar held the center early, defended Dvalishvili’s first attacks, and scored the opening point when Dvalishvili went on the shot clock in Period 1. That made it 1-0 Edgar off solid hand-fighting, not a fluke.
Dvalishvili tied it in Period 2 when Edgar stepped out during a scramble, then changed levels and finished a single-leg takedown for two more. Edgar kept pressing, but Dvalishvili reached the break ahead 3-1 after taking an accidental shot to the nose.
Period 3 ended the argument. Dvalishvili hit another snatch single, scored exposure, benefited from Edgar going on the shot clock, and pushed the lead to 8-1. After blood time for Dvalishvili’s nose, Edgar tried a sacrifice throw, but Dvalishvili smashed through, moved to a gut wrench, and turned him for the 12-1 tech fall.
Dvalishvili celebrated with flips afterward, then went right back to Cejudo.
“Show me some Mexican balls, bro!” Dvalishvili said.
Dvalishvili remains tied to a possible Petr Yan trilogy after losing their December 2025 rematch, but RAF now has a clean Cejudo hook. Edgar’s early defense was legit. Dvalishvili’s pace still dragged the match into his world.
