Michael Chandler dominates Chad Mendes in RAF 4 main event, Joaquin Buckley and Clay Guida come up empty-handed.

Michael Chandler made a strong return to the wrestling mat on Saturday in the RAF 4 main event, delivering an impressive performance against fellow UFC veteran Chad Mendes. Despite Mendes' extensive collegiate wrestling experience, Chandler used his superior size, strength, and speed to control the match across three periods.

The turning point came early when Mendes attempted a roll while Chandler was tied up, but Chandler quickly countered with his own roll, earning two points. With an additional point awarded for Mendes' passivity, Chandler led 3-0 after the first period. The match saw multiple pauses due to an accidental eye poke and headbutts, leaving Mendes with noticeable swelling, but he continued to fight. Chandler sealed the victory late with a push-out point, ending the match 4-1.

After his win, Chandler called out Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs, highlighting the rivalry that has lingered in his mind since 2009. Chandler confidently proclaimed that he is bigger, faster, and stronger than ever, daring Burroughs to step into the RAF ring with him.

Outside of the main event, UFC fighters faced challenges transitioning back to wrestling. Joaquin Buckley stepped in for PFL light heavyweight champion Corey Anderson to face Pat Downey but struggled from the start. Downey executed a precise throw and finished the match with a powerful slam, winning by technical fall, 12-0. Downey later issued a callout to UFC middleweight Bo Nickal, who is scheduled to face Yoel Romero in December.

Clay Guida also returned to the mats but was overwhelmed by Cayden Henschel, who secured an 11-0 technical fall victory over the UFC veteran. Another notable result saw Bella Mir, daughter of UFC legend Frank Mir, lose a late-match comeback to Alexis Gomez, falling 7-3 in a match that could spark an ongoing rivalry.

Other Results from RAF 4

• Kennedy Blades def. Alejandra Rivera, 11-0, technical fall
• Akhmed Tazhudinov def. Anthony Cassioppi, via pin
• Andrii Yatsenko def. Spencer Lee, via pin
• Jordan Oliver def. Real Woods, 2-2 (wins by criteria)
• Cayden Henschel def. Clay Guida, 11-0, technical fall
• Pat Downey def. Joaquin Buckley, 12-0, technical fall

Author: Sophia Brooks