Khamzat Chimaev wrestles Robbie Lawler at RAF 14

Real American Freestyle has booked a catchweight wrestling matchup between UFC Hall of Famer Robbie Lawler and Khamzat Chimaev for RAF 14, scheduled for October 23 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.

Lawler, 44, is making his promotional debut in the wrestling league after retiring from MMA in 2023 following a knockout victory over Niko Price at UFC 290. The former UFC welterweight champion competed as an all-state high school wrestler in Bettendorf, Iowa, but has not wrestled competitively since his teenage years, making this return to the mat a significant milestone in his athletic career.

Chimaev, a three-time Swedish national wrestling champion, has transitioned to RAF following his loss of the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. The fighter, known by the nickname "Borz," has made a strong start in wrestling competition, posting a 2-0 record in RAF with fall victories over Dillon Danis and Tyron Woodley since joining the league this summer.

RAF 14 will be headlined by an RAF title bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis, with Lawler versus Chimaev serving as a significant draw on the card. The matchup represents an intriguing clash between a legendary MMA veteran returning to his wrestling roots and a former UFC champion establishing himself in the sport's wrestling division.