Merab Dvalishvili could only keep away from competition for so long.

As the former UFC bantamweight champion waits for confirmation of a trilogy bout with title holder Petr Yan, Dvalishvili (21-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) will maintain some activity by stepping onto the wrestling mat for Real American Freestyle.

Dvalishvili has signed on to headline RAF 08, which takes place April 18 at Liacouras Center in Philadelphia and streams on FOX Nation.

Dvalishvili does not have a confirmed opponent for his RAF debut at this time, but company co-founder and CEO Chad Bronstein believes "The Machine" is a perfect fit for the growing brand.

“Merab is elite, relentless, and rooted in wrestling," Bronstein said in a press release. "When athletes of his caliber step onto the RAF stage, it reinforces what this league represents – the professional home for the sport’s best."

Prior to RAF 08 in April, the wrestling organization will host RAF 06 on Saturday in Arizona, headlined by Henry Cejudo vs. Urijah Faber, as well as RAF 07 on March 28 in Tampa.

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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC's Merab Dvalishvili headlines RAF 08 on April 18