Anthony Pettis to Challenge Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 15
The middleweight crossover title match is set for November 28 at the NOW Arena in Chicago.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Anthony Pettis will face champion Arman Tsarukyan for the RAF middleweight crossover title at RAF 15. The event is scheduled to take place on November 28 at the NOW Arena in Chicago.
Why it matters
The matchup serves as the new headline event for RAF 15 following the withdrawal of Donald Cerrone from the card. This change also shifts the Henry Cejudo versus Song Yadong bout to the co-main event slot.
Arman Tsarukyan enters the title defense after a victory at RAF 14 via tech fall. Anthony Pettis returns to combat sports following a 2024 boxing match against Chris Avila.
The players
Anthony Pettis
He is a combat sports athlete who last competed in 2024 in a boxing match against Chris Avila.
Arman Tsarukyan
He is the reigning Real American Freestyle middleweight crossover champion who defeated Dillon Danis at RAF 14.
Donald Cerrone
He is a combat sports veteran who recently withdrew from his scheduled appearance at RAF 15.
Henry Cejudo
He is an athlete whose bout against Song Yadong has been moved to the co-main event at RAF 15.
Real American Freestyle
It is the professional organization responsible for promoting the RAF event series.
The details
Real American Freestyle announced the updated fight card on Tuesday. Tsarukyan remains active leading up to the Chicago date, with an additional wrestling match against Neiman Gracie scheduled for November 14 in Abu Dhabi.
Timeline
Nov. 14, 2026: Tsarukyan wrestles Neiman Gracie at RAF Abu Dhabi.
Nov. 28, 2026: Pettis challenges Tsarukyan at RAF 15 in Chicago.
Season Trajectory
The transition to a new main event at RAF 15 directly reshapes the competitive landscape for the promotion's current season. This adjustment forces a change in the event's billing order and significantly impacts the promotional stakes for the middleweight division.
The shift of the Henry Cejudo versus Song Yadong bout to the co-main event position changes the timing and flow of the live broadcast for viewers. Fans and bettors should note the revised lineup at the NOW Arena to adjust their viewing expectations accordingly.
The takeaway
The sudden update to the RAF 15 fight card underscores the volatility of professional combat sports scheduling. Spectators planning to attend should monitor the official promotion channels for any further adjustments to the co-main event or undercard bouts.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of the promotion, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MMA Fighting.
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