Khamzat Chimaev Books Former UFC Champion Tyron Woodley for RAF Moscow Main Event

Khamzat Chimaev may still have unfinished business in the UFC, but it looks like the Chechen isn't letting inactivity get the best of him. Amid speculations swirling around his Octagon return/potential rematch against Sean Strickland, the former UFC Middleweight Champion has locked in another appearance with Real American Freestyle (RAF), this time in one of the promotion's biggest international events yet. 

In a massive announcement, the promotion announced that Chimaev will headline its Russian debut in Moscow on September 5, where he'll square off against former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley. 

Khamzat Chimaev Returns To Headline RAF’s First Event in Russia

If anything, RAF’s recent announcement marked another significant step in its rapid expansion beyond the United States, further attracting some of MMA's biggest names. Real American Freestyle confirmed on Thursday that “Borz” will headline RAF Moscow against former UFC champion Woodley in a marquee matchup between two of the sport's most recognizable names.

The event will mark Chimaev's second appearance for the promotion after a successful debut against Dillon Danis. That outing generated plenty of headlines, not only because Chimaev secured the victory but also due to the chaotic post-match altercation that followed.

Although his next UFC assignment remains uncertain, another appearance in RAF will allow the 32-year-old to stay active and keep the competitive fire burning. On the UFC side of things, Chimaev has openly expressed interest in running things back with Strickland following their title fight, but with Strickland still recovering, the UFC hasn’t given the green light to a rematch.

Tyron Woodley with Quick Turnaround

Woodley, meanwhile, is preparing for a demanding stretch. The former UFC Welterweight Champion is first scheduled to make his RAF debut against rising UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley at RAF 12 on August 22 before returning less than two weeks later to face Chimaev in Moscow.

For the RAF, since its launch in 2025, the promotion has increasingly leaned on established MMA stars competing between UFC fights, and securing Chimaev’s date translates to an exhilarating card, especially for a massive Russian debut. 

Former ONE Champion Anatoly Malykhin Joins Stacked Moscow Card

The Moscow event received another major boost with the addition of former three-division ONE Championship titleholder Anatoly Malykhin.

Malykhin, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished heavyweights outside the UFC, will make his RAF debut against undefeated heavyweight Pouya Rahmani in the co-main attraction.

He enters the event with a 15-1 professional MMA record and recently reclaimed the ONE heavyweight championship. The 38-year-old Russian’s resume already includes world titles at heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight, making him the first fighter to capture major MMA championships across three different weight classes.

On the other side, Rahmani presents an intriguing test despite carrying far less name recognition. For the unversed, the UAE-based heavyweight is unbeaten at 6-0 in MMA and has recent experience competing under the PFL banner. He also boasts a solid grappling background and most recently defeated Ali Isaev in ACBJJ competition.

With Chimaev vs. Woodley topping the card and Malykhin making his promotional debut, RAF's first trip to Russia is shaping up to be one of its strongest cards to date.