This is the RAF 13 live blog for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns, who wrestle this Friday at the Watsoc Center in Miami, Fla.
Chimaev got his start in wrestling, winning Swedish nationals three times in his youth. From there, Chimaev moved to MMA, where he became one of the biggest stars in the sport, winning the UFC middleweight title last year, before dropping the belt to Sean Strickland in May. Since then, Chimaev has returned to his wrestling roots, beating both Dillon Danis and Tyron Woodley in RAF, setting up this match with his former MMA foe.
A former UFC welterweight title challenger and world champion BJJ player, Burns was the first man to give Chimaev a hard fight in MMA, losing a competitive decision to “Borz” in 2022. After retiring from MMA in April, Burns is now back to competing in grappling sports and makes his wrestling debut this weekend.
Check out the live blog for Chimaev vs. Burns below.
Chimaev looks significantly bigger than Burns.
Chimaev pressing forward immediately and shoots an early double leg when Burns get to the edge of the circle, scoring a push out. 1-0 Chimaev.
Burns responds with a shot off the whistle, but Chimaev sprawls and shifts to the back, getting a quick two points. Gut wrench from there for back exposure, turning Burns out of the circle. 5-0 Chimaev.
Oh! Burns comes out and powers a double this time, and Chimaev is trying to defend but he’s moving backward. Burns keeps driving and gets the takedown! Honestly, Chimaev went to his back outside the ring, so that could’ve been four, but two points. 5-2 Chimaev.
And Chimaev with a double and quick takedown on the restart, getting two right back as Burns goes out. 7-2 Chimaev
Chimaev with a clean entry on a double-leg, hits the pass by to get the takedown and then another gut wrench for four points. 11-2 Chimaev.
On the restart, neither can gain purchase and the round ends.
Chimaev only needs two and he immediately goes for a low single leg to try and get it, but Burns defends well this time and gets the reversal! Now Burns going for back exposure by going over the top but the ref stops it. 11-4 Chimaev.
Chimaev right after it on the restart and Burns gets snapped down, but ref stops as Chimaev nearly gets a d’arce choke, lol.
On the restart and Chimaev goes from a tie-up to a blast double and gets the takedown, with Burns landing on his back. That should be four points, but Burns’ corner challenges. No reason not to, because if it stands, Burns loses. And it stands! Chimaev with the tech fall.
Khamzat Chimaev def. Gilbert Burns via tech fall (15-4)
After the match, Chimaev and Burns hug a lot. Tons of respect between them. Then Chimaev goes to speak with Chael Sonnen.
Chimaev says he’s going to L.A. to support Arman Tsarukyan tomorrow. Then he says he’s looking to beat Colby to take the title. Then he gives respect to Gilbert Burns, before speaking in Russian, that gets no translator.
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