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Michael Chandler Takes the Win Against Chad Mendes at Real American Freestyle’s RAF03 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago
RAF03 was an electrifying experience a sold out crowd with huge wins, surprise guests, and championship belts defended and earned
Chicago, IL (November 29, 2025) – Real American Freestyle (RAF), the first unscripted pro-wrestling league for the best athletes in the world, held its third event, RAF03, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL. Under the executive direction of Chad Bronstein, Izzy Martinez, and Eric Bischoff, Real American Freestyle gave fans its biggest event yet in front of a sold-out crowd. Presented exclusively via FOX Nation on live broadcast, partners Real American Beer, Takedown, and Novartis were on display at the beloved venue.
Highschool phenom Bo Bassett kicked off RAF03 with an amazing first-round defeat of Darrion Caldwell in the featherweight division, proving he is the future of the sport. Alexis Gomez dominated Bella “Lady” Mir in the middleweight bout, pulling off a win in the third round. The much anticipated welterweight battle between Joaquin Buckley and Pat Downey resulted in a win from Downey and redemption from his loss to Jake Varney at RAF02. Fan favorite Clay Guida faced off against Cayden Henschel for the welterweight round, with a comfortable win from Henschel 11-0. Jordan Oliver took the World Featherweight Title from Real Woods by decision, after scoring the final point in the third round. For the #1 Contender in the lightweight bout, a hometown battle between Austin Gomez and Austin O’Connor resulted in a win from Gomez. Gomez will next face off against Yianni Diakomilhalis for the World Champion title. Andrii Tatsenko bested Olympian Spencer Lee in the bantamweight bout, followed by Akhmed Tazhudinov taking the win over Tony Cassioppi in the heavyweight division. Hometown hero Kennedy Blades took the middleweight World Title decisively, with an 11-0 win in the co-main card event against Alejandra Rivera. And to close out RAF03 in the main card welterweight fight between MMA giants Chad Mendes and Michael Chandler, with Chandler synching the win after a close matchup.
To the fans' delight, Ben Askren made a special appearance, following his return to health. Ben was one of the first athletes to sign to Real American Freestyle and has since served as a staunch supporter of the league. Ashley Wells delighted those in attendance with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Expert analysis and commentary from Kurt Angle, Chael Sonnen, Cyrus Fees, and Julianna Pena was informative and exciting, providing fans in person and watching across the country an inside POV into the sport. Beloved creator and RAF02 competitor Mugzy entertained the crowd and met with his many fans both at the Real American Freestyle Fan Zone, as well as at RAF03 itself.
Before RAF03 the league held its kickoff press conference at the Marriott Marquis, which featured the entire fight card. Hosted by Chad Bronstein and Izzy Martinez, the event gave guests and those watching a taste of RAF’s passionate athletes.
“Fox has been a great partner for us. They’ve really leaned into this. The wrestling world is a Fox audience, and so we were actually able to lock in a six show extension,” said Chad Bronstein. “We’re now having eight shows on Fox Nation, which I think for the wrestling world is amazing because it really draws in new eyes.”
When asked why he requested to fight Bo Bassett, Darrion Caldwell said, “For me, I like to be tested. I want the best guys in the country. Having a guy like Bo Bassett...he’s on the top of his game, he’s coming off big wins, World Championships, he’s done it all. It’s where I wanted to be.”
“I’m really grateful to go compete Saturday night and make it a show, cause this is what Illinois deserves,” said Real Woods. “It’s me giving back to what the state of Illinois, Izzy, and all the fans of Illinois wrestling gave to me”
“She’s a great opponent,” said Kennedy Blades. “Never wrestled her before, so I’m excited to see both of our styles collide.”
“You guys have seen Mike Chandler fight, this dude is a highlight reel fighter,” said Chad Mendes. “All of my stuff has been super explosive, fast-paced. I don’t know what the hell is going to happen on that mat. I think this one is going to be a fun one for me, for him, and for all of you guys.”
“That’s what’s beautiful about what these guys have done. This sport, what we do is just shake hands, go wrestle, get off the mat, and that’s it. We’re not trying to create a big spectacle,” said Michael Chandler. “We’re not trying to create a big show, but what RAF is doing in making people feel something…people are going to feel something tomorrow night when they watch these matches, and it’s just going to grow the sport as a byproduct.”
RAF04 will be held on December 20 at Fishes Event Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The fight card will include Wyatt Hendrickson vs. Mason Parris, Bo Nickal vs. Yoel Romero, David Carr vs. Belal Muhammad, and more to be announced in the coming day. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster. In partnership with the UFC, USA Wrestling, NIL organizations, and the NCAA, athletes can compete regardless of their status, providing crucial opportunities for wrestlers at the start and in the prime of their careers. Participants and members of the Real American Freestyle roster have access to the world’s best entertainment and sports storytellers, production, and promotion; they will also have the opportunity to win the championship purse and bonuses, in adherence to NCAA regulations, for wins throughout the season.
For more information, visit the Real American Freestyle website and follow the company at @RAFWrestlingUSA.
About Real American Freestyle
Real American Freestyle is a professional freestyle wrestling league founded by Chad Bronstein, the late Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, and Israel Martinez. Supported by Left Lane Capital, the league launched in 2025. Featuring a full slate of events throughout its debut season, kicking off in Cleveland, OH, Real American Freestyle is focused on freestyle elements of the sport and seeks to provide a platform for athletes to build careers and branding in the space. For more information on Real American Freestyle, please visit www.realamericanfreestyle.com.
