Khamzat Chimaev is set to return to Real American Freestyle as the former UFC middleweight champion takes on former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in the main event of RAF Moscow on September 5. The announcement marks another major step in RAF’s international expansion, with the promotion bringing one of its biggest events yet to Russia.
The matchup reunites two accomplished wrestlers who built successful careers in mixed martial arts before stepping into the rapidly growing freestyle wrestling promotion. Khamzat Chimaev enters the contest looking to remain active while awaiting clarity on his UFC future, while Woodley faces one of the busiest stretches of his post UFC career.
Khamzat Chimaev returns for his second RAF appearance
RAF confirmed on Thursday that Khamzat Chimaev will headline its first event in Russia, continuing the promotion’s strategy of signing high profile MMA athletes between UFC appearances.
The 32 year old made a successful RAF debut in June when he defeated Dillon Danis via first round pinfall in the main event of RAF 10 in St. Louis. That contest generated headlines after tensions boiled over into a post match brawl between both teams following Danis’ attempted choke during the match.
RAF co founder Chad Bronstein recently revealed that Chimaev is expected to compete multiple times for the promotion before the end of the year, making the Moscow event another key part of those plans.
Although Chimaev remains one of the UFC’s biggest stars, his immediate future inside the Octagon remains uncertain. The former middleweight champion lost his title to Sean Strickland via unanimous decision in May and has repeatedly called for an immediate rematch. However, the UFC has yet to announce his next opponent.
Competing in RAF allows Chimaev to stay active while waiting for another opportunity in mixed martial arts.
Tyron Woodley prepares for demanding schedule
Woodley will have little time to recover before facing Chimaev.
The former UFC welterweight champion is scheduled to make his RAF debut against Joaquin Buckley at RAF 12 on August 22. Less than two weeks later, he will travel to Moscow for the headline bout against Chimaev.
The 44 year old retired from mixed martial arts in 2021 after one of the most accomplished UFC careers in the welterweight division. Before becoming UFC champion, Woodley established himself as one of the best collegiate wrestlers in the United States, earning All America honors twice at the NCAA Division I level while representing the University of Missouri. He also captured a Big 12 Conference championship during his collegiate career.
Since leaving the UFC, Woodley has competed in professional boxing, facing Jake Paul twice before later suffering a stoppage loss to Anderson Silva. He now returns to his wrestling roots through RAF.
Elite wrestling credentials add intrigue
Although both athletes became household names through mixed martial arts, wrestling has always been central to their success.
Chimaev is a three time Swedish national freestyle wrestling champion and has consistently relied on his elite grappling to dominate opponents throughout his MMA career.
Woodley’s collegiate résumé is equally impressive. His NCAA achievements helped pave the way for a successful transition into mixed martial arts, where he eventually became UFC welterweight champion and defended the belt four times.
With two accomplished wrestlers sharing the mat, the matchup carries genuine sporting significance beyond the star power attached to both names.
Former ONE champion Anatoly Malykhin joins stacked card
RAF Moscow received another significant boost with the addition of former ONE Championship three division titleholder Anatoly Malykhin.
The Russian heavyweight will make his promotional debut against undefeated heavyweight Pouya Rahmani in the co main event. Malykhin enters the contest with a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 1 loss after recently reclaiming the ONE heavyweight championship.
His résumé includes world titles at heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight, making him the first fighter to win major MMA championships across all three divisions.
Rahmani presents an interesting challenge despite having less international recognition. The UAE based heavyweight owns an unbeaten 6 and 0 MMA record, has competed in the PFL, and recently defeated Ali Isaev in ACBJJ competition.
RAF continues rapid international expansion
Since launching in 2025, Real American Freestyle has quickly established itself by attracting current and former MMA stars looking to compete outside traditional promotions.
The Moscow event represents RAF’s second international show following its event in Tbilisi, Georgia, while the promotion already has additional events scheduled in Cleveland, Miami, and Las Vegas over the coming months.
With Chimaev against Woodley headlining and Malykhin making his promotional debut, RAF Moscow is shaping up to be one of the organization’s strongest events to date. The card also demonstrates the promotion’s growing ability to attract globally recognized combat sports athletes as it continues expanding beyond the United States.
Follow FIGHTCORE for more updates.
