Henry Cejudo reacts to stunning 36-second victory over Merab Dvalishvli at RAF 12: ‘I’m excited for the trilogy’

Henry Cejudo dominated Merab Dvalishvili in a wrestling rematch at RAF 12 on Saturday, securing a pin just 36 seconds into the opening period and earning redemption after losing their first encounter.

Cejudo had led 8-0 in their initial wrestling match before running out of gas and surrendering a comeback victory to Dvalishvili in Georgia. This time, the former two-division UFC champion came prepared. After scoring a quick takedown to start, Cejudo immediately capitalized by pinning Dvalishvili's shoulders to the mat, prompting the referee to end the match.

At the RAF 12 post-event press conference, Cejudo reflected on his preparation and acknowledged his previous shortcomings. He explained that he traveled to upstate New York and dedicated himself for a month and a half to get into peak condition, recognizing that his early gas tank issues stemmed from being out of wrestling shape. Despite holding an Olympic gold medal in wrestling from 2008, Cejudo admitted he hadn't prioritized the sport during his 13-year MMA career, instead focusing on striking and other disciplines. "When I'm in shape, no one will beat me," he said, crediting his renewed dedication to wrestling as the key to his dominant performance.

Cejudo expressed excitement about a potential trilogy with Dvalishvili, though the Georgian grappler is currently focused on his upcoming UFC 333 co-main event bout against Petr Yan in October as he seeks to reclaim the bantamweight title. Cejudo, meanwhile, is transitioning to boxing next, with a scheduled match against Deen the Great under the Misfits Boxing banner.