Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns are set to reignite their rivalry on the mats, as they prepare to face each other in the co-main event of RAF 13. This highly anticipated matchup will take place on September 18 at the Watsco Center in Miami, Florida, and is part of a card that also features a main event grudge match between Colby Covington and Belal Muhammad.
The announcement was made by the Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion, which has been gaining traction in the competitive wrestling scene. Chimaev and Burns previously met in the octagon at UFC 273 in April 2022, where Chimaev secured a unanimous decision victory in a closely contested bout. At that time, Chimaev was undefeated with a record of 10-0, showcasing his finishing ability with all victories coming by knockout or submission. Burns, however, proved to be a formidable challenge, pushing Chimaev to his limits.
Since their last encounter, Chimaev has remained active in the wrestling circuit, marking his third appearance in the RAF within just four months. He achieved a notable victory over Dillon Danis at RAF 10 in June and is scheduled to face former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in the main event of RAF Moscow this Saturday. Chimaev's recent foray into the wrestling world comes after a significant setback in his UFC career, where he suffered his first professional loss to Sean Strickland in May, relinquishing his middleweight title in the process.
On the other hand, Burns has transitioned away from mixed martial arts competition after a challenging stretch that culminated in a fifth consecutive loss against Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg in April. Despite stepping away from MMA, Burns remains committed to grappling, having recently showcased his skills with an impressive 82-second submission victory over Horlando Monteiro at a UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event in June. This upcoming match at RAF 13 will be his first under the RAF banner, marking a new chapter in his competitive journey.
The co-main event between Chimaev and Burns adds significant intrigue to an already exciting card. The main event will see Covington defending his crossover cruiserweight championship against his long-time rival Muhammad, setting the stage for a night filled with high-stakes competition.
As both fighters prepare for their rematch, fans can expect a thrilling showdown that not only revisits their previous encounter but also highlights their growth and adaptations since their last meeting. With both competitors eager to prove their prowess, the co-main event at RAF 13 promises to be a highlight of the wrestling calendar.
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