RAF03 Main Event: Chad Mendes vs. Michael Chandler — Wrestling Roots. Prime Time Pressure. 165lbs.

This isn't an exhibition. This isn’t nostalgia. This is two world-class combat athletes returning to the mat to win.

Chad Mendes and Michael Chandler—both former NCAA All-Americans turned elite MMA title contenders—will headline RAF03 in a 165-pound welterweight bout that brings wrestling full circle.

They’ve headlined UFC and Bellator cards. They’ve fought for world titles in cages around the globe. But on October 25, it’s back to basics: hand fights, leg attacks, mat control and six minutes to settle it.

Wrestling First

Before they were fight-night stars, they were wrestlers. And not casuals.

• Chad Mendes: NCAA finalist at Cal Poly, known for his slick re-attacks, motion and top control.
• Michael Chandler: NCAA All-American at Missouri, built around pressure, pace and positional strength.

They’ve trained for five-round wars. But freestyle is a different beast—shorter, sharper and full of technical landmines. Whoever adjusts quicker will control the pace.

Mendes: Speed Kills

Mendes was a hammer in college—low attacks, short drags, and explosive transitions. That same style carried over to the UFC, where he fought in three title fights and built a reputation as one of the most dangerous featherweights in the world.

Now back on a wrestling mat, he’ll look to use that speed and timing to get underneath Chandler before the tie-ups settle. If he can get to angles or force quick re-attacks, the takedowns are still there.

The question? Can he maintain that tempo if Chandler leans on his size?

Chandler: Pressure, Strength, and the Will to Go Forward

Michael Chandler never takes a step backward—whether it’s an NCAA quarterfinal or a Madison Square Garden main event.

The former Bellator champion and UFC title challenger was always a grind-it-out type on the mat: hard collar ties, short offense, edge work, and unmatched intensity. That hasn’t changed.

At 165, Chandler may hold the size edge. If he can close the space, lock hands, and force exchanges underhook-to-underhook, he can control tempo and limit Mendes’ motion.

But he’ll have to be sharp. This isn’t a cage. Every step matters.

What to Watch For

• Chandler’s size advantage: Can he keep the match physical and close?
• Mendes’ quickness: If Chad gets space, expect entries from anywhere.
• Freestyle-specific lungs: Both are elite athletes, but this is a different clock. Watch the transitions late.

Stream it Live

RAF03 goes live November 29—watch Mendes vs. Chandler and the full card exclusively on FOX Nation.