Khamzat Chimaev vs Dillon Danis Set to Headline RAF 10 in St. Louis
Khamzat Chimaev is stepping into a new arena.
The former UFC middleweight champion is scheduled to face Dillon Danis in a catchweight freestyle wrestling match at RAF 10 on June 13, 2026. The headline bout will take place at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri, with the event set to stream live on Fox Nation.
For Chimaev, this marks his highly anticipated debut under the Real American Freestyle banner. For Danis, it is another chance to remain in the combat sports spotlight against one of the most intense grappling-based fighters in the game.
Chimaev Makes His RAF Debut
Khamzat Chimaev entering RAF is a major move.
Chimaev built his name in MMA through pressure, wrestling, physical dominance, and a fearless approach to competition. Before his UFC rise, he had already proven himself as a high-level wrestler, winning multiple Swedish national wrestling titles.
That background makes him a natural fit for a freestyle wrestling showcase.
After suffering his first professional MMA loss to Sean Strickland, Chimaev now gets a chance to reset the narrative in a different ruleset. A strong performance at RAF 10 would remind fans that his grappling remains one of his most dangerous weapons.
Dillon Danis Gets Another Big Name
Dillon Danis continues to find himself in high-profile matchups.
Known for his submission grappling background and polarizing personality, Danis has always been able to generate attention. His recent wrestling appearance against Colby Covington did not go his way, but he now gets a quick turnaround against an even more physically aggressive opponent.
Facing Chimaev is a difficult assignment.
Danis has grappling experience, but freestyle wrestling is a different game. Chimaev’s pressure, pace, and ability to control positions could create serious problems if Danis cannot slow him down early.
This matchup is interesting because both men are known for grappling, but in very different ways.
Chimaev’s style is built around wrestling intensity. He drives forward, pressures opponents, controls scrambles, and forces them to defend constantly.
Danis comes from a submission grappling background. He is more associated with jiu-jitsu, ground attacks, and positional threats.
Under freestyle wrestling rules, Chimaev may have the clearer advantage. There are no submission setups to save Danis, no guard play to slow the action, and no MMA striking to change the rhythm. The match will likely come down to takedowns, control, movement, and wrestling discipline.
RAF 10 Card Adds More Heat
RAF 10 is not only about Chimaev vs Danis.
The co-main event is scheduled to feature Arman Tsarukyan vs Tony Ferguson in a middleweight freestyle wrestling match. That gives the card another major combat sports name and adds more interest for fans who follow both UFC and wrestling crossover events.
With Chimaev, Danis, Tsarukyan, and Ferguson all attached to the card, RAF 10 has enough star power to create real conversation.
For Chimaev, this is about dominance.
He needs to show that his first MMA loss did not damage the core of what made him feared. If he runs through Danis, fans will immediately start talking about bigger RAF matchups and a possible return to high-level MMA momentum.
For Danis, this is about credibility.
He needs a strong showing after recent setbacks. Even if he enters as the underdog, making the match competitive would help rebuild some respect around his name.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Dillon Danis at RAF 10 is a fascinating crossover grappling main event.
Chimaev brings wrestling pressure, intensity, and a need to make a statement in his RAF debut. Danis brings name value, grappling experience, and a chance to shock fans in a difficult matchup.
On June 13 in St. Louis, the question is simple: can Danis survive Chimaev’s pressure, or will “Borz” make his RAF debut look easy?
