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Khamzat Chimaev

All articles tagged with #khamzat chimaev

Du Plessis Predicts Strickland Will Repeat Victory Over Imavov in 2027
mma6 days ago

Du Plessis Predicts Strickland Will Repeat Victory Over Imavov in 2027

Former champion Dricus du Plessis predicts Sean Strickland will defeat Nassourdine Imavov in their upcoming title rematch, citing Strickland's superior cardio and defensive ground game. While the fight is expected in early 2027, du Plessis notes that Strickland's forward pressure neutralizes Imavov's striking style, similar to how he defeated Israel Adesanya. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev has offered $1 million for a rematch, but Strickland remains focused on Imavov.

Chimaev Headlines RAF’s Abu Dhabi Debut Amid Five-Year UAE Deal
sports22 days ago

Chimaev Headlines RAF’s Abu Dhabi Debut Amid Five-Year UAE Deal

Real American Freestyle (RAF) confirmed its first event in Abu Dhabi on November 14, headlined by former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev. The show coincides with UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden. Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, and other elite wrestlers are also confirmed to compete. This event marks the start of a five-year partnership between RAF and the UAE Department of Culture and Tourism.

Covington Secures First RAF Title Defense with 10-0 Tech Fall Over Muhammad
mma24 days ago

Covington Secures First RAF Title Defense with 10-0 Tech Fall Over Muhammad

Colby Covington defeated Belal Muhammad via a 10-0 technical fall in the main event of RAF 13, successfully defending his cruiserweight crossover title. Covington, who entered the bout undefeated in the new promotion, utilized his collegiate wrestling background to dominate the match, securing a decisive victory in Miami. Following the win, Covington indicated that Khamzat Chimaev is his likely next opponent, as Chimaev had just defeated Gilbert Burns in the co-main event. The event marked a significant return for RAF to South Florida, featuring multiple title defenses and championship bouts across various weight classes.

Covington Retains RAF Title with Dominant 10-0 Tech Fall Over Muhammad
sports24 days ago

Covington Retains RAF Title with Dominant 10-0 Tech Fall Over Muhammad

Colby Covington defeated Belal Muhammad via 10-0 technical fall to retain the RAF cruiserweight crossover title at RAF 13 in Miami. The bout ended early in the second period after Covington scored decisively, while Muhammad struggled with passivity. Covington remains undefeated in the promotion and immediately named potential future opponents, including Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev. In the co-main event, Chimaev defeated Gilbert Burns via technical fall, setting up a potential future clash. Other notable results include Kennedy Blades retaining the women's middleweight title and Joe Pyfer defeating Luke Rockhold via technical fall.

Covington retains RAF title over Muhammad; Chimaev and Pyfer also secure wins
sports24 days ago

Covington retains RAF title over Muhammad; Chimaev and Pyfer also secure wins

Colby Covington defeated Belal Muhammad via technical fall to retain the Real American Freestyle (RAF) Cruiserweight crossover title at RAF 13 in Miami. Khamzat Chimaev also won via technical fall against Gilbert Burns, while Joe Pyfer defeated Luke Rockhold in his promotional debut. The event featured multiple title changes, including Arsen Harutyunyan winning the bantamweight title and Cayden Henschel taking the featherweight crossover belt.

Chimaev Comes in Lighter Than Woodley for RAF Moscow Main Event
sports1 month ago

Chimaev Comes in Lighter Than Woodley for RAF Moscow Main Event

Khamzat Chimaev weighed 192.5 pounds and was lighter than Tyron Woodley at 193.6 pounds for their RAF Moscow main event, marking a lighter weigh‑in for Chimaev after his RAF debut. Both fighters won their previous RAF bouts, and Chimaev is hinting at a UFC return with talk of a Strickland rematch or a bout with Borralho, while set to co-headline RAF 13 in Miami on Sept. 18 against Gilbert Burns.

Chimaev targets Strickland’s winner, stays put at middleweight
sports1 month ago

Chimaev targets Strickland’s winner, stays put at middleweight

Khamzat Chimaev, coming off a middleweight title loss, says he’ll pursue the winner of Sean Strickland’s next fight rather than demand an immediate rematch, with Nassourdine Imavov viewed as a likely Strickland challenger. He also floated a potential late-year bout with Caio Borralho but ruled out moving up to light heavyweight, insisting he’ll stay at 185 pounds until he clears the division.

Chimaev admits 'there were mistakes' after UFC 328 showing
ufc-news1 month ago

Chimaev admits 'there were mistakes' after UFC 328 showing

Khamzat Chimaev says his UFC 328 showing contained 'mistakes' but he isn’t dwelling on injuries or weight-cut issues, emphasizing that he’s focused on a quick return. He’s open to a Sean Strickland rematch (Strickland is currently rehabbing a shoulder) and plans to stay at 185 pounds, with Imavov as a potential future title challenger and RAF Moscow bouts on the horizon.

Chimaev shrugs off Strickland–Imavov title talk, eyes staying active and Borralho path
sports1 month ago

Chimaev shrugs off Strickland–Imavov title talk, eyes staying active and Borralho path

Khamzat Chimaev says he isn’t bothered by rumors that Sean Strickland might defend the UFC middleweight title against Nassourdine Imavov, and he plans to stay active and pursue a title, with a possible bout versus Caio Borralho. Imavov, on a six‑fight unbeaten streak and having defeated Israel Adesanya, is viewed as a top contender, while Strickland remains the reigning champ. Chimaev is also set to wrestle Tyron Woodley in Moscow as he continues his 185‑pound quest.

Chimaev targets quick UFC return with Strickland or three other challengers
ufc1 month ago

Chimaev targets quick UFC return with Strickland or three other challengers

Khamzat Chimaev says he’s ready to fight on his UFC return and would welcome a rematch with Sean Strickland, even without a title on the line. If that fight doesn’t materialize, he named four other contenders for his comeback—Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho—as potential opponents after losing his middleweight title to Strickland at UFC 328.

Chimaev Responds to Fazil’s Pre-DWCS Claims, Urges Unity Amid Alleged Confrontation
sports1 month ago

Chimaev Responds to Fazil’s Pre-DWCS Claims, Urges Unity Amid Alleged Confrontation

Khamzat Chimaev publicly pushed back at Namo Fazil’s post-fight claim that he was jumped by about 15 Chechen men during fight week, saying disputes should be settled between the individuals and urging unity between Chechens and Kurds. Fazil was knocked out by Kaik Brito in the DWCS headliner, ending his eight-fight win streak, while UFC boss Dana White hinted something happened at the fighter hotel but offered no specifics.

Ditcheva says Rousey’s dig reshaped her view of the UFC icon
sports3 months ago

Ditcheva says Rousey’s dig reshaped her view of the UFC icon

Dakota Ditcheva says a personal jab Ronda Rousey directed at Khamzat Chimaev during promotion reshaped her longstanding admiration for Rousey. She says the remark was “not OK” and changed how she views the former champ, though she still respects her as a fighter. Ditcheva, who is prepping for a PFL return, emphasizes staying focused on her own career rather than getting drawn into personal feuds.