Khamzat Chimaev needed less than two minutes to overpower UFC Hall of Famer Robbie Lawler at RAF 14. The former middleweight champion dominated their freestyle wrestling match in Las Vegas on Friday night. The Khamzat Chimaev vs Robbie Lawler Result ended with an early technical fall after Lawler struggled to defend repeated takedowns. Chimaev then turned his attention toward an upcoming showdown with Colby Covington.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Robbie Lawler Result: Early Technical Fall at RAF 14
Khamzat Chimaev (15-1 MMA) defeated Robbie Lawler (30-16, 1 NC MMA) in the RAF 14 co-main event. Their catchweight wrestling match took place on October 23, 2026, at Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Nevada. Chimaev entered the contest with considerably more recent freestyle wrestling experience than the retired UFC welterweight champion.
The 32-year-old immediately pressured Lawler and secured an early takedown to establish control. He followed with a gut-wrench sequence that quickly increased his advantage to eight points. Lawler struggled to escape the Russian-born fighter’s grip and could not establish any meaningful offense.
Chimaev continued attacking and secured another scoring action to force an early technical fall. MMA Fighting reported a 10-0 finish with approximately 20 seconds remaining in the opening period. Other results coverage listed the final score as 11-0, although both accounts confirmed Chimaev’s dominant technical-fall victory.
The result extended Chimaev’s successful run in freestyle wrestling competitions outside the UFC. Lawler, meanwhile, endured a difficult return to competition after retiring from professional MMA in July 2023.
Result: Khamzat Chimaev defeated Robbie Lawler by first-period technical fall at RAF 14.
How Khamzat Chimaev Dominated Robbie Lawler
Chimaev established his advantage through aggressive takedowns and superior positional control from the opening exchange. His first attack quickly brought Lawler to the mat, where he immediately looked for additional scoring opportunities. The former middleweight champion then used a gut wrench to expose his opponent’s back.
Lawler struggled to counter Chimaev’s pressure and could not create enough separation to return to a neutral position. His opponent continued moving aggressively and capitalized on every available opening. The difference in their recent wrestling experience became increasingly apparent throughout the brief contest.
Chimaev also demonstrated the techniques that helped him become a three-time Swedish national wrestling champion. His ability to transition between takedowns and turns allowed him to build points quickly. Lawler never found an effective response before the referee ended the match.
The result highlighted Chimaev’s technical advantages under freestyle wrestling rules. However, it did not affect either fighter’s professional MMA record because RAF operates as a separate wrestling competition.
Robbie Lawler Returns to Competition Three Years After UFC Retirement
Lawler entered RAF 14 at 44 years old, making his first competitive appearance since retiring from MMA. The former UFC welterweight champion ended his fighting career with a first-round knockout against Niko Price at UFC 290. That July 2023 victory provided a memorable conclusion to his professional MMA career.
Before becoming an MMA fighter, Lawler developed his wrestling skills during his high school years in Iowa. He earned All-State recognition while attending Bettendorf High School. However, he did not pursue a college wrestling career or compete regularly in freestyle wrestling after entering professional MMA.
His return against Chimaev therefore presented a particularly difficult assignment. The matchup brought together an experienced MMA veteran and a younger opponent with a stronger freestyle wrestling background. Their contrasting competitive histories became an important factor in Friday’s result.
Despite the defeat, Lawler remains one of the most respected welterweight champions in UFC history. His memorable championship fights against Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit helped establish his reputation. RAF 14 marked another competitive appearance rather than a return to professional MMA.
Khamzat Chimaev Calls Out Colby Covington After RAF 14 Victory
Chimaev immediately shifted his attention toward Colby Covington following the victory against Lawler. The former UFC interim welterweight champion will meet him in an upcoming RAF crossover championship contest. Their matchup will take place in Abu Dhabi approximately three weeks after RAF 14.
Covington (17-5 MMA) recently demonstrated his wrestling ability with a technical-fall victory against Belal Muhammad at RAF 13. The American controlled their September matchup and secured a 10-0 victory. His performance helped establish another high-profile wrestling contest against Chimaev.
Chimaev welcomed the opportunity but used aggressive language when discussing his upcoming opponent. He expressed excitement about finally facing Covington and made a threatening remark about the American. Their rivalry now gives the next RAF event another prominent attraction.
Both fighters have built their MMA careers around wrestling and relentless pressure. However, their upcoming meeting will take place under freestyle wrestling rules rather than inside the UFC Octagon. That difference could influence how they approach the contest.
Why Chimaev vs Covington Is an Interesting Wrestling Match
Chimaev brings powerful takedowns, strong positional control, and considerable finishing ability to the matchup. His recent RAF victories have demonstrated how effectively he can score against established MMA competitors. However, Covington possesses a different wrestling background from several of Chimaev’s previous opponents.
The American developed his wrestling skills at Oregon State University and earned NCAA Division I All-American honors. His collegiate experience could help him manage exchanges against an aggressive opponent. Nevertheless, Chimaev’s recent performances suggest he will attempt to establish control immediately.
Both competitors have the ability to maintain pressure during demanding grappling exchanges. Their upcoming meeting could provide a more competitive test of Chimaev’s freestyle wrestling skills. However, neither fighter’s previous MMA achievements guarantee success under RAF’s rules.
Chimaev Reacts to Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis Controversy
Chimaev also discussed the heated confrontation involving Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis during RAF 14 fight week. The two competitors became involved in a physical altercation at Thursday’s press conference. Security personnel intervened after their disagreement escalated in front of the audience.
The former middleweight champion supported Tsarukyan, his close friend and training partner, during the confrontation. He also indicated that he was prepared to become involved if another altercation occurred. His remarks added further attention to an already controversial buildup.
Tsarukyan (24-3 MMA) later defeated Danis (3-0 MMA) in the RAF 14 main event. The UFC lightweight contender secured a 10-0 technical-fall victory before stepping on his opponent after the match. Security quickly intervened to prevent another confrontation.
The Arman Tsarukyan vs Dillon Danis result attracted attention because of the dominant performance and post-match incident. Chimaev’s involvement in the earlier confrontation also connected the two biggest matches on the card.
What’s Next for Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC?
Chimaev remains an important contender in the UFC middleweight division despite losing his championship earlier this year. His last MMA appearance came against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May 2026. The American defeated him by split decision after five competitive rounds.
The defeat ended Chimaev’s undefeated professional MMA record and interrupted his championship reign. However, the former champion has repeatedly expressed interest in another opportunity against Strickland. He believes their first meeting produced a close enough result to justify another contest.
Chimaev recently stated that he would pursue Strickland even if the champion changed divisions. His comments intensified the ongoing Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland rematch discussion. However, the UFC has not announced another fight between the former rivals.
For now, Chimaev continues competing in RAF while awaiting his next UFC booking. His upcoming wrestling contest against Covington gives him another opportunity to remain active. However, a return to the Octagon remains separate from his freestyle wrestling commitments.
Final Thoughts
Khamzat Chimaev delivered another commanding wrestling performance against Robbie Lawler at RAF 14. His aggressive takedowns and quick scoring sequences overwhelmed the retired UFC welterweight champion. The early technical fall demonstrated his strong freestyle wrestling skills against an experienced MMA veteran.
Lawler’s return ended in defeat, but the result does not diminish his achievements inside the UFC. He entered the contest after more than three years away from competition. Facing a younger wrestler with Chimaev’s credentials presented a difficult challenge.
Chimaev now shifts his attention toward Colby Covington and their upcoming RAF crossover championship match. His UFC future also remains uncertain as he continues pursuing another fight against Sean Strickland. The victory over Lawler gives him momentum before another important wrestling appearance.
FAQs About Khamzat Chimaev vs Robbie Lawler Result
1. Who won Khamzat Chimaev vs Robbie Lawler at RAF 14?
Khamzat Chimaev defeated Robbie Lawler by technical fall during their RAF 14 wrestling match on October 23, 2026. The contest ended in the opening period after Chimaev established a substantial scoring advantage.
2. What was the score of Khamzat Chimaev vs Robbie Lawler?
MMA Fighting reported a 10-0 technical fall, while other coverage listed the result as 11-0. Both accounts agree that Chimaev secured an early stoppage.
3. Was Khamzat Chimaev vs Robbie Lawler an MMA fight?
No. The two former UFC champions competed in a freestyle wrestling match under RAF rules. The result does not affect their professional MMA records.
4. Who will Khamzat Chimaev face next in RAF?
Chimaev is scheduled to face former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington in Abu Dhabi. Their wrestling contest is expected approximately three weeks after RAF 14.
5. When did Robbie Lawler last compete before RAF 14?
Robbie Lawler last competed in professional MMA at UFC 290 in July 2023. He defeated Niko Price by first-round knockout before announcing his retirement.
