Chimaev to Face Robbie Lawler in RAF 14 Wrestling Match

Khamzat Chimaev is set to face Robbie Lawler in a catchweight wrestling match at Real American Freestyle 14, marking Lawler's first competition of any kind since he retired from the UFC in 2023.

The bout is booked as the co-main event on Oct. 23 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, with Arman Tsarukyan meeting Dillon Danis in the headliner. It's Lawler's promotional debut with RAF, and it puts one of the most beloved veterans in welterweight history back in front of a live crowd for the first time in three years.

What Is Khamzat Chimaev Doing at RAF 14?

Chimaev has been competing in freestyle wrestling matches for RAF since losing his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland this past May, and RAF 14 continues a perfect run for him in the sport. He's already gone through Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns in RAF wrestling matches, winning each one by pinfall or tech fall. Lawler represents his most decorated opponent yet in a discipline that isn't quite MMA and isn't traditional folkstyle either, but the pattern so far suggests Chimaev treats these matches the same way he treats the cage: fast, physical and rarely competitive past the opening exchanges.

Lawler, meanwhile, hasn't competed in any form since walking away from the UFC in 2023. He built his UFC welterweight championship reign and Hall of Fame resume on knockout power and grit, but this is a different test entirely: a wrestling match against a younger opponent who has made a habit of finishing his RAF opponents before they get comfortable.

Betting Angle

Books haven't been posting lines on RAF wrestling matches the way they do UFC fights, but the competitive picture here isn't subtle. Chimaev is younger, came up as a wrestler well before he ever signed with the UFC, and has steamrolled three RAF opponents already. Lawler is a legend of the sport but hasn't competed in years and made his name as a striker, not a wrestler. Anyone looking to bet on the format should expect Chimaev to be a heavy favorite if a market does open, with the more interesting number likely being how quickly it ends rather than who wins.

The card also features Michael Page returning for the first time since his contentious UFC exit, taking on Russian veteran Alexander Shlemenko, adding another storyline worth tracking heading into fight week.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robbie Lawler?

Khamzat Chimaev faces Robbie Lawler in a catchweight wrestling match at RAF 14 on Oct. 23 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.

Is this Robbie Lawler's first fight since leaving the UFC?

Yes, the RAF 14 wrestling match against Khamzat Chimaev is Robbie Lawler's first competition since he retired from the UFC in 2023.

What is Khamzat Chimaev's record in RAF wrestling matches?

Khamzat Chimaev has won all three of his Real American Freestyle wrestling matches, defeating Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns by pinfall or tech fall.