Khamzat Chimaev is set to return to competitive action just weeks after suffering the first loss of his UFC career, but his next fight will not take place in the octagon. The 32-year-old lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland via split decision last weekend, ending his undefeated streak.
Chimaev has now confirmed a crossover to wrestling under the Real American Freestyle (RAF) banner. He will headline RAF 10 against Conor McGregor's training partner Dillon Danis on June 13 at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri.
Despite the career change, Chimaev's team has stated that a rematch with Strickland remains his sole focus. “The rematch with Sean Strickland is the only fight that Khamzat wants, he is obsessed with it,” his team told ESPN. His brother Artur added that they have requested a rematch for an event in Abu Dhabi in October.
Chimaev's previous fight was marred by controversy, including a heated face-off where police intervened. There were also suggestions he struggled to make the 185lb weight limit. After the loss, UFC president Dana White revealed Chimaev had considered moving up to light heavyweight, but the fighter now appears committed to staying at middleweight for a rematch.
