Can Tyron Woodley Stop Khamzat Chimaev? Former UFC Champ Weighs In Ahead of Moscow
Tyron Woodley is eyeing yet another UFC fighter for his next RAF appearance, and this time he's going straight to the top, taking on Khamzat Chimaev.
Former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley is back in the win column, and he is already setting his sights on one of the most terrifying forces in combat sports.
"The Chosen One" snapped a multi-year drought over the weekend at RAF 12 in Cleveland. Competing under the Real American Freestyle banner, Woodley pulled off a stunning come-from-behind 14-8 wrestling victory over UFC contender Joaquin Buckley. After falling behind 8-0 early to the heavily oversized Buckley, Woodley dug deep, using his elite Division I NCAA All-American roots to mount a continuous scoring rally.
The victory was a massive momentum booster for the 44-year-old veteran. During his peak inside the Octagon, Woodley defended his 170-pound title four consecutive times, relying on explosive takedown defense and a thunderous right hand.
Now, he transitions directly from beating Buckley into a massive main event assignment: a catchweight wrestling showdown against former UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev at RAF Moscow on Sept. 5.
Sizing Up "Borz" Ahead of Moscow
Heading into Russia for a high-profile collision on Chimaev's home turf, Woodley is under no illusions about the monumental task ahead. Chimaev has built a terrifying reputation in mixed martial arts, famously ragdolling high-level opponents with relentless aggression and relentless pressure.
However, Woodley sees direct parallels between his recent battle against Buckley and what awaits him in Moscow.
"Khamzat is going to be strong, explosive, and similar to ," Woodley said following his RAF 12 triumph. "Maybe a little more technical and crafty with his techniques."
Chimaevā€™s wrestling credentials are well-documented. Before capturing UFC gold, "Borz" dominated the Swedish freestyle wrestling circuit, boasting an undefeated record with multiple national titles. His ability to chain takedowns together seamlessly makes him a nightmare matchup on paper for almost anyone in combat sports.
Yet, Woodleyā€™s defensive wrestling was once considered the absolute gold standard in the UFC, holding one of the highest takedown defense percentages in promotion history. While ring rust and age have caught up to Woodley in recent years, his performance against Buckley demonstrated that his mat awareness and gas tank remain intact when called upon.
Stopping Chimaevā€™s initial onslaught will be the key to any potential upset in Moscow. If Woodley can weather the early storm, make the match gritty, and force Chimaev into deep waters, the former champion believes his veteran savvy could tilt the scales in his favor once again.
