Rivalries run deep when wrestling legends return to settle unfinished business. At RAF 3 inside Chicago’s Wintrust Arena, the spotlight falls squarely on the highly anticipated showdown between Michael Chandler and Chad Mendes—a clash that blurs the line between nostalgia and competition. But here’s where it gets especially intense: both are leaving their MMA gloves behind and going back to their wrestling roots at a catchweight of 175 pounds.
MMA veteran journalist Damon Martin, who has been covering fight sports since 2003, brings fans an in-depth look at this stacked card presented by MMA Fighting. This isn’t just another wrestling event—it’s a homecoming for two fierce competitors who built their reputations on the mats long before their names echoed through MMA arenas.
Chandler, a proud product of the University of Missouri, first made waves as a collegiate wrestler before transitioning into a successful MMA career. Mendes, meanwhile, carved out his own legacy as a Cal Poly powerhouse, earning All-American honors twice and nearly capturing NCAA gold in 2009 before being bested by Ohio State’s J Jaggers in a memorable final. Now, years later, both men are returning to where it all began—a storyline rich with history, pride, and redemption.
Adding even more firepower to RAF 3, the event draws big names and fresh faces from across combat sports. UFC veterans Clay Guida and Joaquin Buckley share the card with rising talents like Bella Mir and Kennedy Blades, the latter freshly decorated with a 2024 Olympic silver medal. The lineup blends generations of fighters, creating a night that promises both technical mastery and emotional storytelling.
And this is the part most fans overlook: RAF 3 isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a redefining moment for how wrestling and MMA continue to intertwine. With MMA stars returning to the mat and Olympians stepping into crossover events, the boundaries between combat disciplines seem to be fading faster than ever.
Here’s the full fight card, streaming live on FOX Nation at 9 p.m. ET:
- Chad Mendes vs. Michael Chandler
- Bo Bassett vs. Darrion Caldwell
- Austin O’Connor vs. Austin Gomez
- Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Rivera
- Real Woods vs. Jordan Olivera
- Bella Mir vs. Alexis Gomez
- Clay Guida vs. Cayden Henschel
- Joaquin Buckley vs. Pat Downey
- Akhmed Tazhudinov vs. Anthony Cassioppi
- Spencer Lee vs. Andrii Yatsenko
So what do you think—are Mendes and Chandler returning out of pure competitive spirit, or is this a quiet statement about wrestling’s resurgence in the combat sports world? Share your take in the comments—this one’s sure to divide fans.
