The RAF is quickly realizing its foundational dream of becoming a global wrestling powerhouse with its latest stint, where the organization has brought in elite talents from multiple corners of the map. From signing the three-time world champion Haji Aliyev to the 2026 NCAA runner-up Yonger Bastida, RAF has set the bar to a height that has become the premier destination for Olympic and world-class wrestlers to showcase their freestyle talent unscripted.
The Real American Freestyle has become the premier institute of freestyle wrestling, where wrestling prodigies from around the world show up to compete, helping promote the sport of wrestling, earn prestige via an elite American wrestling promotion, and ultimately build their own professional brand.
RAF has signed up world-class athletes from America and around the world who have already made statements through their numerous accolades and unmatched mat prowess. Haji Aliyev from the list is one of the most decorated wrestlers from Azerbaijan and brings in a decade of freestyle experience.
The Cuban freestyle champion, Yonger Bastida, has also signed up with RAF after a startling NCAA season wrestling for the Cyclones. Bastida holds medals from U23 and U20 championships, the Big 12 conference title, and NCAA Division I All-American out of the Iowa State University.
RAF Signs Japanese World Champions
RAF continues its spree of global talent hunts by bringing in elite athletes from Europe and America. The organization is now also banking heavily on Asia and has recruited some of the best freestyle talents from Japan: Rei Higuchi, Kotaro Kiyooka, and Daichi Takatani.
Rei Higuchi is a decorated freestyle wrestler from Japan who, at 57 kg, won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a silver medal during the 2016 Olympics.
Kotaro Kiyooka from Japan has represented his country numerous times on the world stage, specifically during the 2024 Olympics, and has defeated several world champions to attain international glory.
Daichi Takatani from Kyoto, Japan, has won two silver medals at the 2018 Asian Games and holds reasonable international experience.
Japan is known as a powerhouse in the lightweight class of freestyle wrestling, and by signing the top Japanese recruits, RAF is proving its promise of being the premier event where real-world-class collision becomes a reality and ensuring that no wrestling fan has to wait years to witness international wrestlers showcase their skills.
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