Khamzat Chimaev’s dominance in Real American Freestyle (RAF) continued on September 18, 2026, as he defeated Gilbert Burns with a 15-4 technical fall at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. The victory marked Chimaev’s third win in the promotion and came four years after their contentious UFC 273 showdown, where Chimaev edged Burns via decision. Burns, who retired from MMA in April after a loss to Mike Malott, made his RAF debut in a rematch that saw Chimaev control the pace with relentless takedowns and point accumulation. The event, RAF 13, took place at the Watsco Center, a venue in Coral Gables, Florida, and served as the co-main event of the card.
A Contested Rematch with Historical Context
The encounter in Miami was the first time Chimaev and Burns faced off since their 2022 UFC 273 clash, a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors. While the earlier fight was a back-and-forth war, the RAF 13 matchup was decisively one-sided. Burns, now retired from MMA, entered the event weighing 198.8lb—significantly heavier than his welterweight peak—while Chimaev, the former UFC champion, maintained his dominance through strategic takedowns. Burns’ team disputed a late-second-period takedown that led to the technical fall, but officials upheld the decision after replay review. The fight was the co-main event of RAF 13, which featured three Chimaev appearances since May, as the promotion gave fans a chance to watch one of the UFC’s biggest stars up close.
Chimaev’s performance underscored his evolution since his loss to Sean Strickland earlier this summer. At RAF 13, he showcased improved grappling, securing multiple takedowns that kept Burns on the defensive. The fight followed Chimaev’s chaotic win over Dillon Danis in June, a performance that broke records.
The Road to Covington and Beyond
Chimaev’s victory positions him as a prime candidate for a high-stakes matchup against RAF crossover champion Colby Covington. Of course, why not?
He has the belt,
Chimaev said after the fight, hinting at his ambitions to expand his legacy. The potential bout has generated significant buzz, with fans and analysts speculating about how Chimaev’s wrestling expertise would fare against Covington’s mixed martial arts prowess.
Meanwhile, Burns’ performance highlighted his resilience despite his retirement. The Brazilian fighter, who has since shifted focus to management and BJJ, earned praise for his effort in the rematch. Burns’ team disputed a takedown in the second period, but officials upheld the decision after reviewing the replay. The fight marked Burns’ debut in RAF, a promotion that has drawn former MMA stars for high-profile matchups.
What’s Next for Chimaev and the RAF
For now, the focus remains on the implications of his RAF dominance: a potential title unification bid or a crossover to other promotions. Chimaev, who made his RAF debut earlier this year against Dillon Danis, has been nothing but dominant since arriving in the promotion, with three wins in RAF, including the technical fall over Burns.
The outcome of RAF 13 solidifies Chimaev’s status as a powerhouse in freestyle wrestling, while Burns’ participation underscores the event’s appeal to former MMA stars. As the story unfolds, the next move—whether it’s a Covington showdown or a new rivalry—will define the next chapter of Chimaev’s career. Burns, who retired from MMA following a loss to Mike Malott in April, has since turned his attention to management and BJJ, but his performance against Chimaev demonstrated his willingness to compete in new disciplines. The fight also marked the first time Burns faced Chimaev since their 2022 UFC 273 clash, which had been one of the most memorable bouts of that year.