Full Breakdown
Khamzat Chimaev to Debut in Real American Freestyle Against Dillon Danis at RAF 10
5/13/2026, 2:49:15 AM
RAF 10 Main Event: Chimaev vs. Danis
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat ‘Borz’ Chimaev will meet former UFC and Bellator competitor Dillon Danis in the main event of Real American Freestyle (RAF) 10. The catch-weight bout is set for June 13, 2026 at Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, marking Chimaev’s first RAF appearance.
From UFC Title Loss to RAF Debut
Chimaev defended his UFC middleweight title at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026 in Newark, losing to Sean Strickland by split decision—the first defeat of his professional MMA career. RAF announced his signing in April and booked his debut for RAF 10 shortly after the UFC bout.
Fighter Profiles
Khamzat ‘Borz’ Chimaev, a Russian-born athlete who rose through the ranks as a training partner of Conor McGregor, amassed a dominant UFC run before his loss to Strickland. Dillon Danis, known as a combat-sports lightning rod, has competed in UFC, Bellator (2-0 record), and RAF, most recently falling to Colby Covington by technical fall.
Timeline of Key Dates
- April 2026: RAF announces Chimaev’s signing at RAF 8.
- May 9, 2026: UFC 328 – Chimaev loses title to Strickland (split decision).
- May 12, 2026: RAF confirms Chimaev vs Danis for RAF 10.
- March 2026: Danis suffers technical-fall loss to Covington at RAF 7.
- June 13, 2026: RAF 10 main event.
Records & Statistics
Chimaev’s recent UFC record includes a split-decision loss to Strickland and a prior victory over Jack Hermansson at Bulldog Fight Night 9 (Nov 2021). Danis’s RAF record shows a technical-fall defeat to Covington; his Bellator stint ended 2-0, and he earned a win over Warren Spencer at Misfits 22.
Impact and Significance
Chimaev’s transition to RAF supplies the promotion with a former UFC champion, potentially broadening its viewership and credibility. For Chimaev, the bout offers immediate competition after a high-profile loss, while Danis gains a main-event platform to counter recent setbacks and re-assert his marketability.
Official RAF Statements
RAF’s press release stated that Chimaev will stay busy after his UFC title loss and confirmed the June 13 main-event pairing with Danis. The organization also noted that Chimaev’s signing was first disclosed at RAF 8 in April.
Criticism & Opposition
Danis is described as a combat-sports lightning rod, with his varied focus across MMA, boxing, and wrestling cited as a source of controversy. His recent technical-fall loss to Covington fuels skepticism about his competitive viability in a main-event setting.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source alleges Chimaev told UFC CEO Dana White he intends to move to light heavyweight after UFC 328, but no official confirmation exists. Sources differ on the spelling of Danis’s recent opponent, referring to ‘Coby Covington’ versus ‘Colby Covington.’ The exact catch-weight limit for the RAF bout has also not been released.
Future Outlook
Chimaev’s brother has hinted at an immediate rematch with Strickland later in 2026, though top contender Nassourdine Imavov remains positioned for a title shot. The result of RAF 10 will shape Chimaev’s next move, whether a UFC return or continued RAF competition.
