Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns rematch set for RAF 13 co-main event

Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns will meet for a second time in a catchweight co-main event at RAF 13 on September 18 at Watsco Center in Miami. The pair first fought at UFC 273 in 2022, when Chimaev won a closely contested unanimous decision—a fight many considered his toughest test at the time, as Burns proved to be the first opponent to push the undefeated Chimaev to a decision rather than a finish.

Chimaev has become a fixture in RAF's wrestling events since transitioning from the UFC. The Sept. 18 bout marks his third appearance for the promotion in four months. He defeated Dillon Danis at RAF 10 in June and is scheduled to face former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley this Saturday at RAF Moscow. Chimaev's last UFC outing came in May, when he suffered his first professional loss, dropping the middleweight title to Sean Strickland.

Burns, a former welterweight title challenger, retired from MMA competition in April after losing his fifth consecutive bout to Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg. However, he has remained active in grappling competition and submitted Horlando Monteiro in 82 seconds at a UFC BJJ event in June. The rematch will mark Burns' debut under the RAF banner.

The co-main event will accompany a heavyweight main event featuring a grudge match between Colby Covington, who will defend his crossover cruiserweight championship, and longtime rival Belal Muhammad.