Khamzat Chimaev reveals his priorities after RAF Moscow; money, wrestling, ahead of next UFC fight

Khamzat Chimaev has shed light on the true motive behind his devoting time and energy to competing in freestyle wrestling under the Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling promotional banner. 

"Borz" spoke about its financial element, helping others, and more in a heartwarming discussion. 

Khamzat Chimaev addresses his wrestling experience in the RAF thus far; aims to accrue lucrative paydays to help others

Khamzat Chimaev made his RAF debut at RAF 10 in June, beating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu savant Dillon Danis by way of pinfall in just 44 seconds. A massive brawl ensued between his and Danis's entourages. 

Regardless, the Chechnya, Russia-born combatant returned to the promotion this month. Chimaev headlined the RAF Moscow event -- the first-ever RAF show in Russia -- on September 5. In a highly anticipated 195-pound catchweight showdown, he dominantly beat ex-UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in a mere 94 seconds via pinfall. 

Speaking to Red Corner MMA, the three-time Swedish national wrestling champion later opened up about his return to the freestyle wrestling realm. He touched upon having taken up a wrestling-heavy schedule as of late despite being busy with his MMA training and competition obligations in the UFC. 

Alluding to RAF according wrestlers and crossover combat sportspersons alluring financial rewards for competing in its events, Chimaev emphasized that money was a major motivator for him to wrestle in the RAF. 

Also, he indicated that his pair of RAF appearances thus far haven't allowed him the opportunity to spend enough time in competition, as both matches ended quite early. Chimaev stated: 

"I wanted to wrestle a little longer because my first match ended pretty quickly. He (Tyron Woodley) is physically strong, a little awkward. I shot for a takedown, and I realized..." 

The 32-year-old suggested that his next opponent, Gilbert Burns, is a talented wrestler and BJJ maestro, what with them having gone to war in a welterweight MMA matchup in the UFC a few years back. The UAE-based fighter affirmed that every match and opponent is different. 

Moreover, in a heartening assertion about his wanting to help people by earning money when he can, Chimaev said: 

"It doesn't matter to me. I came here to make money. I'm not hiding that. I want to make as much money as possible and help as many people as I can when I have the opportunity. When I didn't have a visa, I was fighting once a year; money wasn't as good." 

Watch Khamzat Chimaev highlight his priorities after RAF Moscow below: 

Khamzat Chimaev says having a wrestling-heavy schedule does not concern him because his main priority is making money and helping people, while also admitting he wanted to spend more time wrestling during his RAF Moscow bout against Tyron Woodley.

“It doesn’t matter to me. I… pic.twitter.com/Kb6vtJIjRH

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 5, 2026

Khamzat Chimaev's first MMA loss and campaign to avenge it

Khamzat Chimaev entered UFC 328 in May with a professional MMA record of 15-0, in addition to boasting the honor of being the UFC middleweight champion. However, the event witnessed him suffer his first defeat in the sport, as Sean Strickland beat him via split decision to become a two-time UFC middleweight kingpin. 

Chimaev had previously been rumored to be en route to a move up in weight, as he'd hinted that the cuts to middleweight were tough for him and he'd like to capture the UFC light heavyweight belt.

The loss at the hands of Strickland dashed those dreams, and he's since underscored that he wouldn't leave the middleweight division before recapturing his title, ideally by avenging his loss against Strickland, provided the latter is still the champion if and when their rematch materializes. 

Presently, Chimaev's next MMA fight in the UFC remains unclear. As for wrestling, he's booked to clash against retired MMA fighter Gilbert Burns. They'll compete in the co-main event of RAF 13 in Miami on September 18.