Surprise! Khamzat Chimaev has a new opponent, and it's not Sean Strickland; see the rival and the date of the fight.

Khamzat Chimaev lost his middleweight title at UFC 328. Photo: Reproduction/X

PUBLICITY:

Former UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Khamzat Chimaev has a new fight scheduled. The company star wants an immediate rematch against Sean Strickland , the division's title holder who defeated him in May , but while he doesn't get what he wants, he won't be idle. 'Borz' will be in action for RAF, a wrestling organization, against Tyron Woodley , former UFC welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg), on September 5th in Moscow (RUS).

The company itself announced the important clash through its social networks this Thursday (30). In fact, this is the first time that RAF will hold events in Russia. The clash between wrestlers Chimaev and Woodley is the main fight of 'RAF Moscow'.

The bout marks Khamzat's second appearance on the RAF mats. In June, the former UFC champion easily defeated Dillon Danis in a fight that ended in a brawl. Woodley, 44, will make his UFC debut in August against Joaquin Buckley , and, hungry for a fight, agreed to face the Russian on hostile territory. The American's last victory in combat sports was in 2018.

See too

Anthony Smith case: Former UFC fighter allegedly threatened to kill his wife and tried to run her over more than once.

He didn't like it! Daniel Cormier denies Jon Jones' claims and calls him crazy: 'I'll always hate him'; understand the new controversy.

Friendship over! Jon Jones reveals Lewis Hamilton insulted him, blocked him, and apologized; understand the controversy.

Chimaev and Woodley fighters in MMA

Khamzat Chimaev , 32, is one of the best and most fearsome MMA fighters today. The Russian began his career in the sport in 2018, debuted in the UFC in 2020, and became middleweight champion in 2025. Currently, he is ranked first in the division. Previously, 'Borz' also excelled in the welterweight division.

In this modality, the athlete competed in 16 fights, winning 15, 12 of which were by stoppage (six by knockout and six by submission), and losing once. His main victories were over Dricus du Plessis , Gilbert Burns , Kamaru Usman , and Robert Whittaker.

Tyron Woodley , 44, is an MMA legend. The American began his career in the sport in 2009 and fought his last fight in 2021. In the UFC, 'The Chosen One' was the welterweight champion and defended the title four times.

In his career, the athlete built a record of 19 wins, seven losses, and one draw. His main victories were over Carlos Condit , Darren Till , Demian Maia , Josh Koscheck , Kelvin Gastelum , Robbie Lawler , and Stephen Thompson , among others. Outside of MMA, Woodley suffered defeats in boxing against Anderson Silva and Jake Paul (twice).

Khamzat Chimaev returns to headline RAF MOSCOW against former MMA champion Tyron Woodley.

KHAMZAT CHIMAEV.
TYRON WOODLEY.
RAF MOSCOW.
SEPTEMBER 5.

Tickets coming soon. Join the presale list at the link in bio.

Watch live on @foxnation in the US Additional international… pic.twitter.com/xsPbtU9QXq

— Real American Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA) July 30, 2026

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.