Tyron Woodley outlines what factors give him the edge over Khamzat Chimaev in RAF Moscow wrestling match

Tyron Woodley has made waves in the combat sports realm as of late, having recently returned to freestyle wrestling with his promotional debut in the RAF (Real American Freestyle) wrestling organization. 

The former UFC welterweight champion is all set to wrestle against ex-UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev under the RAF banner next. Woodley has now outlined the elements he believes give him the advantage against Chimaev in their highly anticipated wrestling showdown. 

Tyron Woodley cites the factors he feels would help him beat Khamzat Chimaev at RAF Moscow

Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Tyron Woodley expounded upon his upcoming wrestling match, wherein many have touted Khamzat Chimaev to be a significant favorite. Woodley, on his part, has consistently signaled that he'll gladly prove his doubters wrong by beating the formidable Chimaev. 

He stated, "It's going to be a tough match. So I'm excited about it. I've been in similar matches in college. I feel like my first match in RAF just kind of got the blood flowing -- mentally, physically, emotionally -- so I'm excited for it." 

The American added, "Khamzat is very strong, very aggressive. He's also very tricky and technical. So I feel like it's more of a chess match than it is rams beating horns than people think." 

He continued, "I feel like I've done my homework, and I feel like I'm ready to win." 

Woodley alluded to his comeback win over Joaquin Buckley in his previous RAF appearance, which witnessed him overcome an 8-1 deficit to win by points with a margin of 14-8. Nevertheless, "T-Wood" emphasized that even if he does find himself losing on the scorecards, his last match proved he's capable of adjusting and rallying for the win. 

The 44-year-old indicated that he has the better gas tank and the ability to score points late in the match. He seemingly deemed Chimaev an "early starter" and implied that the Chechen grappler would earn points early in the match, if at all.

Woodley underlined, however, that he'd weather the storm and ultimately beat the UFC superstar. He added, "I'm ready for everything." 

Watch Tyron Woodley discuss his much-awaited wrestling match with Khamzat Chimaev below: 

Tyron Woodley believes his experience, preparation and gas tank will give him the edge if his RAF Moscow main event against Khamzat Chimaev goes into the later rounds this weekend, saying he’s expecting a tough matchup against a strong, aggressive and technical opponent.

“It’s… pic.twitter.com/HqduR6l0xa

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 3, 2026

Tyron Woodley notched his first combat sports win since 2018, whereas Khamzat Chimaev suffered his first MMA loss this year

Tyron Woodley had suffered multiple defeats in his professional MMA career since his 2018 submission win over Darren Till in the UFC. He hasn't competed in the sport of mixed martial arts since 2021, when he exited the UFC. "The Chosen One" also competed in a trio of pro boxing matches -- twice against Jake Paul in 2021 and once against Anderson Silva last year -- but he came out winless. 

Thankfully for the veteran fighter, he beat Joaquin Buckley in their wrestling match at RAF 12 last month. It marked his first combat sports victory since the MMA fight against Till. 

Ironically, speaking of wins and losses, this year also witnessed Khamzat Chimaev suffer his first MMA defeat. "Borz" was beaten by way of split decision by Sean Strickland, who thereby dethroned him to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion back in May. Chimaev has since been lobbying for an immediate title rematch against Strickland, but he's lately expressed his willingness to fight anyone.

In fact, the Chechnya-born three-time Swedish national wrestling champion, who's currently representing the U.A.E., appears likely to fight Caio Borralho. 

Currently, Chimaev is on a collision course with Woodley. Their catchweight freestyle wrestling matchup headlines RAF Moscow at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday, September 5. 

Chimaev's next wrestling match is also booked. He'll wrestle former UFC opponent Gilbert Burns, whom he outpointed in MMA, in the co-headlining match of RAF 13 on September 18.