Wrestling legend Kyle Dake is on a mission to prove he’s still the best, and he’s calling out any UFC fighter to step onto the mat and challenge him. But here’s where it gets controversial: after a humiliating 11-0 loss to Mahamedkhabib Kadimagomedov at the 2020 Olympics, Dake is finally getting his shot at redemption this Saturday at RAF 5 in Florida. This long-awaited rematch isn’t just about settling a score—it’s about Dake’s relentless pursuit of greatness, even at 34, with a resume boasting Olympic medals, World Championships, and NCAA titles.
Dake openly admits he wasn’t at his best during their Olympic bout. ‘I didn’t really train that week,’ he confessed. ‘I was just cutting weight because I was injured.’ Yet, he still managed to bounce back and secure bronze, a testament to his resilience. But the loss to Kadimagomedov stuck with him. ‘I’ve been looking for that match for a long time,’ Dake revealed. Fate finally intervened when they crossed paths in a sauna at the Paris Olympics. Both wrestlers, now eyeing the 86-kilo division, knew their paths would collide again. ‘We are guaranteed this match,’ Dake said, his excitement palpable.
Kadimagomedov, who briefly ventured into Bellator MMA after his Olympic silver, has since returned to wrestling, setting the stage for this highly anticipated rematch. Dake, however, isn’t fueled by revenge. ‘I just love to compete,’ he explained. ‘But it’s still meaningful. Every time I step on the mat, I want to put my best foot forward.’ This match is personal, not because of past grievances, but because Dake wants to prove he’s evolved since that shocking defeat.
And this is the part most people miss: Dake’s hunger for competition extends beyond Kadimagomedov. He’s already eyeing other challengers, like Zahid Valencia, who bested him twice en route to the 2025 World Championships. But what’s truly intriguing is Dake’s willingness to face UFC fighters crossing over into wrestling. Remember when he challenged Khabib Nurmagomedov years ago? While nothing materialized then, Dake is now openly inviting any UFC fighter to test their skills against him. ‘If there’s any UFC guy that wants to throw their hat in the ring, let’s do it,’ he declared boldly.
The inclusion of UFC veterans in RAF events, like Colby Covington vs. Luke Rockhold, has sparked debates about the crossover potential between MMA and wrestling. Is this a fair comparison, or are wrestlers like Dake simply on another level? Dake believes these matchups bring more attention to wrestling, introducing casual fans to the sport’s stars. ‘People know these UFC fighters,’ he said, ‘but now they get to see wrestlers like me, Kennedy Blades, and Wyatt Hendrickson.’
RAF’s fast-paced schedule—matches every three to four weeks instead of the usual eight—has kept Dake sharper than ever. ‘It’s like high school or college again,’ he noted, ‘and I’m really thankful for these opportunities.’ Whether it’s settling old scores or welcoming new challengers, Dake’s message is clear: he’s ready for anyone, anytime.
But here’s the question for you: Do you think a UFC fighter stands a chance against a wrestling legend like Kyle Dake? Or is this a mismatch waiting to happen? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
