UFC veterans Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis will collide for a third time in a wrestling match at RAF 15 in Chicago.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis are set to face each other for a third time, stepping away from mixed martial arts to compete in a wrestling match.
The event is scheduled to take place on Sat., Nov. 28, 2026, at the NOW Arena in Chicago, Illinois, marking the debut for both athletes under the Real American Freestyle promotion, according to information published by mmamania.
This unexpected booking gives Cerrone a chance to secure a victory against his longtime rival after dropping two previous encounters inside the UFC Octagon during their storied fighting careers.
History of Cerrone and Pettis encounters
The two veterans are no strangers to one another, having shared the UFC cage twice before with Anthony Pettis coming out victorious in both of their previous high-profile bouts.
Showtime won their first meeting at UFC on FOX 6 in January 2013 by folding Cerrone with a vicious body kick in the opening round of the fight.
More than seven years later, Pettis defeated Cowboy again via unanimous decision in a competitive Welterweight rematch that took place at UFC 249.
Transition to Real American Freestyle wrestling
The upcoming appearance at RAF 15 does not necessarily mean Donald Cerrone is launching a full-fledged mixed martial arts comeback to active professional fighting.
Cerrone officially retired from mixed martial arts following a submission loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276 in July 2022, after which he began utilizing testosterone replacement therapy.
Their third encounter will look nothing like the first two, as there will be no head kicks or wild striking exchanges, with both men settling their rivalry on the mat.
Ground skills and previous achievements
Despite being best known for their spectacular striking, neither man is completely helpless on the ground when it comes to grappling exchanges and submission holds.
Cerrone secured 17 submission victories during his professional mixed martial arts career, proving his dangerous capabilities on the canvas.
Pettis also submitted several high-level opponents during his career, famously tapping Benson Henderson to capture the UFC Lightweight championship in 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Donald Cerrone vs Anthony Pettis 3 taking place?
The wrestling match between Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis takes place on Sat., Nov. 28, 2026, at RAF 15.
Where is the RAF 15 event being held?
The event is scheduled to be held inside the NOW Arena located in Chicago, Illinois.
Have Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis fought before?
Yes, they fought twice in the UFC, with Anthony Pettis winning both encounters via stoppage and unanimous decision.
Is Donald Cerrone returning to MMA?
The appearance at Real American Freestyle is a wrestling match and does not signal a full-fledged mixed martial arts comeback for Cowboy.
