Gilbert Burns Previews RAF 13 Wrestling Match Against Khamzat Chimaev

More than four years after their initial encounter at UFC 273, Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev are set to face off once again, this time in a wrestling match at RAF 13. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Watsco Center on the University of Miami campus.

Ahead of the highly anticipated rematch, Burns offered his perspective on Chimaev’s abilities on the mats. While Burns acknowledged that the former UFC middleweight champion holds the advantage in wrestling, he questioned whether Chimaev’s cardio and heart would hold up in the transition back to this specific format. Their previous meeting in the UFC Octagon was widely regarded as a 'Fight of the Night' performance, leaving many fans eager to see how the two competitors match up in a pure grappling environment.

This wrestling-focused event marks a significant departure from their previous MMA clash, providing a different stage for the two athletes to renew their rivalry. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Chimaev’s wrestling credentials translate to dominance in the RAF 13 ruleset or if Burns can effectively neutralize the threat as he aims to address the questions he raised regarding his opponent's longevity and composure under pressure.

Source: MMA Mania.