Zahid Valencia vs Mahmoud Fawzy Sebie - The Dawn of An Exciting Cruiserweight Era

Zahid Valencia and Mahmoud Sebie have signed the contracts and promise the fans one of the most high-energy matchups of the night. It’s a matchup that feels like fun and feels like the start of an entertaining promotional run from both men.

Since leaving college where he would already have one of the most entertaining runs in school history, Arizona State’s Zahid Valencia would go on to have one of the most entertaining freestyle careers in US history. He’s snagged gold medals in just about every international event he’s entered and stole the show at the 2025 Worlds with one of the most dominant runs in recent memory.

His first stop in RAF was a slight hiccup, losing to Parker Keckeisen at RAF 04 but put himself right back in the driver’s seat at RAF 05 with a 4-0 shutout over Nate Jackson. He’s back to looking as dangerous as ever and looking to prove he’s back in World form.

Valencia’s mantel is plum-full but there’s one thing he doesn’t have is an Olympic run. Debuting RAF cruiserweight Mahmoud Sebie has been there, done that.Representing his native Egypt, Sebie took the mat in Rio in the 75 kg weight division before transitioning into an MMA career.

Sebie looked to gain citizenship and represent the United States in the 2020 Olympic games but was denied the opportunity in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic and has seemingly been looking for a chance to lace up his wrestling shoes again.

RAF is the exact home and stability both men seem to gravitate towards and it’s very possible that RAF 06 kicks off a long, active run for both men.

THE BREAKDOWN

Zahid Valencia: Two-time NCAA Champion and multiple time International Champion, Valencia is one of the most dynamic offensive threats in modern wrestling. Known for his explosiveness and creating angles, Valencia is always a tech fall threat.

Mahmoud Sebie: International standout known for his physical strength and a proven ground game that has led to domination across multiple combat sports, Sebie can control in the tie-ups and has a sneaky ability to dictate pace. Fawzy thrives in grinding exchanges, positional battles and wearing opponents down over the course of a match with his upbeat aggression.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The Sebie Pace: Sebie has been chomping at the bit to find a combat sports home and he’ll be eager to impress at RAF 06. He is already a threat to control the ties, stay square and limit open exchanges. He can turn this into the kind of match where every point is a war and that favors him. Add a little bit of excited energy and it could be one of the most impressive performances many have seen out of the Egyptian.

Valencia’s Cardio Inconsistencies: Sebie will be kept on his toes coming into this matchup because while Valencia has proven to be nothing but punishment for freestyle opponents since graduating from college, his cardio was a big issue in his RAF 04 matchup with Parker Keckeisen. He appeared to be back in full form at RAF 05 against Nate Jackson but it’s not clear which version we’ll get in Tempe.

Late Match Separation: Valencia has made a career out of breaking matches open late, while Fawzy has shown he can suffocate opponents over time. If this bout is close heading into the final minute, conditioning, composure, and tactical awareness will be magnified under the RAF spotlight. A push out, roll or stall point could make all the difference and force late match theatrics.

It’s unclear exactly what version of both men we’ll get in this match but that’s what will always make both men must-see TV. It’s likely to be one of many exciting matchups from both men.

Will Zahid Valencia stay on the winning path or will the Egyptian newcomer announce his presence with authority? Find out Saturday, February 28 ONLY on Fox Nation!