Khamzat Chimaev delivers another dominant wrestling performance, leaving Chris Weidman without a single point in the RAF Abu Dhabi main event and securing a 10-0 technical fall victory.
Khamzat Chimaev continues his impressive run in Real American Freestyle (RAF), as he takes down former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman in the main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Saturday, November 14. The matchup puts two former UFC champions against each other for the RAF Light Heavyweight Crossover Championship. Weidman steps in as a short-notice replacement for Colby Covington, who withdraws because of an injury.
Both fighters begin by looking for their opportunities in the opening exchanges, with Weidman attempting to use feints to draw a reaction from Chimaev. However, Chimaev quickly finds his rhythm and picks up an escape point. The two wrestlers return to the action, engaging in a battle for position before the referee separates them.
Chimaev then finds an opening, gets around Weidman’s defence and takes his back to earn two points. The referee brings the action back to the centre, but Chimaev continues to dictate the exchanges.
Using an effective collar tie, Chimaev creates another scoring opportunity and adds two more points to his total. The opening period ends with Chimaev firmly in control at 5-0, while Weidman struggles to get his own scoring opportunities going. Weidman looks to change the direction of the contest at the start of the second period, attempting a slide-by manoeuvre to get around Chimaev.
However, Chimaev reads the movement, reverses the position and executes a throw that earns him four points. The scoring sequence initially goes under review, giving Weidman’s corner an opportunity to challenge the call. Following the review, the scoring stands, and Chimaev receives an additional escape point. That takes the score to 10-0, bringing the contest to an end by technical fall. Weidman fails to register a single point throughout the matchup, while Chimaev adds another dominant result to his growing RAF record.
The victory takes Chimaev to 5-0 in RAF competition and gives him another championship win on the wrestling platform. The former UFC middleweight champion also extends his impressive run against established names in combat sports, with previous RAF victories over Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley, Gilbert Burns and Robbie Lawler.
Following the victory, Chimaev expresses his willingness to face anyone, whether in wrestling, grappling or fighting. “it feels good, it feels amazing,” Chimaev said about his win. “Anyone who wants to wrestle or fight, grapple, it doesn’t matter. I’m always ready.”
For Weidman, the defeat marks another difficult outing in RAF competition. The former UFC champion enters the contest with considerable wrestling experience, but Chimaev’s pace, positioning and ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities prove decisive.
Zabit Magomedsharipov Pins Giga Chikadze in Second Period
Zabit Magomedsharipov made a successful appearance at Real American Freestyle (RAF) Abu Dhabi, defeating fellow former UFC fighter Giga Chikadze by pin in the second period of their welterweight wrestling contest. The contest ended in the second period when Magomedsharipov secured a pin over Chikadze. Rather than going to a points decision, Zabit found the finish needed to bring the wrestling match to an end.
For Magomedsharipov, the appearance marked a return to competitive action after a lengthy absence from MMA. His last UFC appearance came in November 2019, when he defeated Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night in Moscow. Chikadze, meanwhile, brought considerable striking experience into the crossover matchup. He has built his reputation through kickboxing before establishing himself in the UFC, where he competed against several notable featherweights.
Although both men made their names in mixed martial arts, this contest placed the focus on their wrestling rather than their usual striking and submission skills.
Check out RAF Abu Dhabi results below.
RAF Abu Dhabi match card
Khamzat Chimaev def. Chris Weidman via tech fall, 10-0Live blog
Arman Tsarukyan def. Neiman Gracie via tech fall, 10-0
RecapZabit Magomedsharipov def. Giga Chikadze via pin, 2nd period
Abdulrashid Sadulaev def. Dauren Kurugliev via decision, 8-5
Kyle Dake def. Alp Arslan Begenjov via tech fall, 10-0
Saba Lazishvili def. Urijah Faber, 12-7 | Upset win
Jordan Burroughs def. Azamat Nurykau via decision, 9-0
Kyle Snyder def. Shamil Erdogan via tech fall, 11-0
Murtaza Talha def. Osama Elsaidy via decision
Diana Avsaragova def. Julianna Peña via pin
Merab Dvalishvili def. Marlon def. Marlon Moraes via pin, 1:30
Zahid Valencia def. Khidir Saipudinov, 4-2
Kennedy Blades def. Bella Mir via tech fall, 10-0
