Overview
- Chimaev moved quickly after losing the UFC middleweight title on May 9 by taking high‑profile freestyle wrestling bookings with RAF, including a main event against Tyron Woodley in Moscow and a co‑main against Gilbert Burns in Miami.
- At a prematch media session in Russia he admitted there were “mistakes” in his UFC 328 performance and said he still wants to fight top middleweights as he rebuilds toward a title run.
- Chimaev publicly said he will stay at 185 pounds and will 'take' the winner of a rumored Strickland–Imavov rematch, positioning himself behind the reported contender queue rather than demanding an immediate rematch.
- Multiple outlets report Sean Strickland is likely to defend the belt against Nassourdine Imavov late this year and Imavov has said he 'knows the date' for a title fight that sources link to December event planning.
- RAF moved its Moscow card from VTB Arena to Arena Mytishchi two days before the show and bookmakers installed Chimaev as an overwhelming favorite for the Woodley match, signaling strong market confidence in his wrestling outings.