Tsarukyan faces Danis for inaugural title as RAF 14 brings wrestling to AMC cinemas

Real American Freestyle will make cinema history on October 23 when RAF 14 screens at 40 AMC Theatres locations across the United States, the promotion announced Thursday — the first time Olympic-style wrestling has been broadcast on the big screen. The venues span ten major wrestling markets, including Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New York, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Tampa, with advance tickets already on sale in select cities.

The card itself carries significant weight beyond the theatrical milestone. Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis meet in the main event for the inaugural RAF middleweight crossover title, a matchup that pits the former UFC lightweight contender against the Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner and social media personality in a high-profile crossover bout.

The co-main event adds further star power, with former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev returning to the wrestling mats to face past UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler — a collision of two fighters whose reputations were built largely inside the cage.

RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein framed the AMC partnership as a deliberate push to grow the sport’s audience beyond its traditional base. “Going to the movies is something families have enjoyed together for generations,” Bronstein said. “We want kids, parents and wrestling fans across the country to come together in their hometowns, cheer on their favorite athletes and experience the excitement of live wrestling on the big screen. It’s another important step in growing the sport and inspiring the next generation of wrestling fans.”

The cinema rollout represents a broader trend of combat sports promotions seeking alternative distribution models to reach casual fans, following the path blazed by boxing and MMA events that have used theatrical screenings to build event-night atmosphere outside traditional venues.