Former UFC middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev isn’t taking a lot of time off after his stunning loss to Sean Strickland.

Khamzat Chimaev’s first UFC middleweight title defense ended in disaster as he lost to former titleholder Sean Strickland by split decision last Saturday at UFC 328. After a dominant run in the Octagon, Chimaev suffered his first career defeat to Strickland and looked lackadaisical from Round 2 onward.

Following his loss, Chimaev allegedly told UFC CEO Dana White that he plans to make the move to light heavyweight after UFC 328. He looked drained and exhausted at Friday’s official weigh-in and was the last fighter to successfully make weight before UFC 328.

Earlier this year, Chimaev signed with Real American Freestyle wrestling, but his promotional debut hadn’t been announced since he was already preparing for UFC 328. But just days after UFC 328, Chimaev has his RAF debut opponent set, and it’s another polarizing combat sports personality.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dillon Danis headlines RAF 10

As announced in a press release, Chimaev and Dillon Danis will headline RAF 10 in St. Louis on June 13th. Danis, a longtime training partner of Conor McGregor, made his RAF debut last month, losing to former UFC title challenger Colby Covington by technical fall.

Chimaev will join his good friend, UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan, as the latest UFC star to sign with the upstart RAF promotion. Tsarukyan will wrestle against former interim UFC champion Tony Ferguson at RAF 10.

Danis’ appearance at RAF 10 is his latest combat sports venture since returning to MMA last August, in a win over Warren Spencer at Misfits 22. He also went 2-0 in Bellator before parting ways with the promotion in 2023.

As for what’s next for Chimaev after RAF 10, his brother recently hinted that the former titleholder wants an immediate rematch with Strickland later this year. But that could be a hefty ask, as Nassourdine Imavov remains the top contender in waiting for a shot at the belt.

What is your early prediction for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dillon Danis? Let us know in the comments!