Match Breakdown and Key Moments

The fight was a battle that drew heavily on the wrestling tactics of both athletes. Chandler took the wheel of the fight from the beginning by employing quick takedowns and ground work overwhelmingly. He was able to push Mendes to the limit by scoring points with very accurate positional control and also forcing Mendes to fight from the most difficult angles. Mendes remained tough coming from behind although there was a swelling above his eye and several stoppages were called due to accidental fouls such as eye pokes and head clashes. However, it was definitely Chandler’s tempo and strength that made the last difference, leading him to a 4, 1 win in a three, period match.

Read More: Michael Morales Eyes Fight Against Carlos Prates Before Title Shot

Additional Notable Results from RAF 3

This event was also home to several other interesting matches, which included the return of some UFC veterans to wrestling competition. Among the competitors were Clay Guida and Joaquin Buckley. Buckley was defeated by technical fall at the hands of Cody Downey. Guida was not spared from a tough loss either. The girls’ bouts featured some up, and, coming talents such as Bella Mir who was narrowly defeated by Alexis Gomez.

Significance of RAF 3 in Combat Sports

RAF 3 served as a perfect example of the return of MMA fighters to the pure form of wrestling, thus emphasizing the fact that wrestling is still the most important base in mixed martial arts. The event gave the fans a chance to see the intensely fought matches that were based on top, level wrestling technique and also revealed the potential for the future crossover events between wrestling and MMA. With the event being aired on FOX Nation, RAF 3 was an indication of the increasing number of viewers who want to watch wrestling matches featuring MMA stars.

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Event Overview

The event featured UFC veterans like Clay Guida and Joaquin Buckley, alongside the likes of Kennedy Blades, a silver medallist at the 2024 Olympics, and Bella Mir. It was a live telecast on FOX Nation starting at 9 p.m. ET. RAF 3 was a heavyweight grappling showcase with NCAA stars and MMA fighters facing off on the mat. Two, time All, American Cal Poly wrestler Mendes met up with one of his own kind, Michael Chandler, who is also an All, American, but from Missouri, in a straight freestyle wrestling match.

​Read More: Michael Morales Eyes Fight Against Carlos Prates Before Title Shot

Main Event Breakdown

Mendes vs. Chandler

The welterweight fight was six minutes long and boiled down to hand fighting, leg attacks, and mat control. Mendes brought his explosiveness and swift low attacks from his NCAA finalist experience to the table. While Chandler was putting heat on the action with his bigger frame and Bellator experience. There was no doubt that this was a pure skill and technique demonstration in wrestling without a cage.

Full Fight Card

• Chad Mendes vs. Michael Chandler (175 lbs championship)​
• Bo Bassett vs. Darrion Caldwell​
• Austin O’Connor vs. Austin Gomez​
• Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Rivera (150 lbs championship)​
• Real Woods vs. Jordan Olivera​
• Bella Mir vs. Alexis Gomez​
• Clay Guida vs. Cayden Enschel​
• Joaquin Buckley vs. Pat Downey​
• Akhmed Tazhudinov vs. Anthony Cassioppi (Unlimited championship)​
• Spencer Lee vs. Andrii Yatsenko (Bantamweight championship)​

The outcomes were an eye, opener to the interplay between the MMA fighting background and wrestling expertise.

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