Mixed Reaction: Abdulrashid Sadulaev’s Signing with the RAF League Sparks Controversy

The signing of a contract by two-time Olympic champion and six-time world champion in freestyle wrestling Abdulrashid Sadulaev with the American professional league RAF Wrestling (Real American Freestyle) has caused a strong and controversial reaction within the wrestling community.

It has been reported that the agreement with RAF was concluded without prior notification of the leadership of the Russian Wrestling Federation (RWF). This fact triggered a sharp response from RWF President Mikhail Mamiashvili.

“Sadulaev signed a contract with an American league? This is sad news… I believe this is not quite the right story. In one place they offer one ruble, in another — five. Apparently, if you close your eyes to everything, you can go where they offer five… We only discussed preparation for the World Championships and his future on the global stage,” Mamiashvili stated.

Despite the criticism, a significant number of experts and fans have sided with the captain of the Russian national team. Many in the professional community emphasize that Abdulrashid Sadulaev has the right to independently make decisions about his career.

“This is what it means to be a national team captain: he makes decisions himself, fears no one, and depends on no one. The scale of Abdulrashid’s personality allows him to remain an independent figure,” wrestling insiders note.

Sadulaev himself also released a detailed statement, stressing that he does not intend to change his sporting nationality and remains loyal to the Russian national team.

“Since the Russian national team came under sanctions, I have repeatedly received offers to change my sporting nationality. However, as the captain of the Russian national team, I remain loyal to my country and intend to continue representing it on the international stage,” Sadulaev said.

According to the wrestler, competing in RAF does not contradict his main priorities — official competitions such as the Russian, European, and World Championships. He emphasized that RAF is a private professional organization, similar to the UFC or NHL, and participation in its tournaments provides an opportunity to compete during a period of limited access to major international events.

The financial aspect of the contract has also drawn particular attention. According to the insider channel “Freestyle Wrestling,” the deal with RAF guarantees Sadulaev $100,000 for stepping onto the mat and an additional $100,000 for a victory.

For comparison, the official bonus for winning Olympic gold in Russia is around 4 million rubles, making a single RAF bout nearly four times more profitable than an Olympic victory. Experts call this a new level of career monetization for wrestlers.

Meanwhile, the RAF roster continues to strengthen rapidly. Over the past week, the league has signed world champion Frank Chamizo, Olympic champion Vladimir Khinchegashvili, and Abdulrashid Sadulaev himself, whom many consider the greatest wrestler of the modern era.

Sadulaev’s RAF debut is expected to take place at the RAF 6 event on February 28 in Arizona, which is set to become one of the most anticipated events of the year in freestyle wrestling.