Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Gilbert Burns in RAF 13

Khamzat Chimaev finally had to clock in for a second period in RAF – but the story stayed the same.

The former UFC contender bullied his way past Gilbert Burns in the RAF 13 co-main event, racking up a 15-4 technical victory that underlined the gap in class while still giving Burns his moments. With the win, the Chechen powerhouse moved to 3-0 in RAF and immediately set his sights on championship gold.

“Of course, why not? He has the belt,” Chimaev said when asked about a showdown with RAF crossover champion Colby Covington. The intent was clear. He wants the top man next.

Fast start, familiar pressure

From the opening whistle, Chimaev did exactly what everyone expected: he went straight through Burns.

A quick double-leg blast sent Burns skidding out of bounds and handed Chimaev an easy opening point. Seconds later, Chimaev powered through a clean four-point takedown to surge 5-0 ahead, imposing his trademark physicality and pace.

Burns refused to fold.

The Brazilian surged forward with a sharp two-point takedown of his own, a reminder that he wasn’t just there to survive. That small success only seemed to light a fire under Chimaev. He stormed back with another heavy takedown, stretching the score to 11-2 by the end of the first period and keeping Burns under constant pressure.

For the first time in RAF, though, someone dragged Chimaev into a second period. That alone was a small victory for Burns, and a testament to his grit.

Burns bites back, Chimaev closes the show

The restart brought more resistance from Burns. He latched onto Chimaev and finished another two-point takedown, cutting into the deficit and forcing the favorite to reset in a surprisingly high-scoring duel.

Any hint of momentum for Burns vanished in an instant.

Chimaev drove through on a double-leg, lifted and dumped Burns hard to the canvas for a four-point score that slammed the door on the contest at 15-4. Match over. Statement made.

Burns walked away with credit, having pushed Chimaev deeper than anyone else has managed in RAF. His performance should earn him another call back.

Chimaev, though, leaves with what he came for: another dominant win, a spotless 3-0 record in RAF, and a looming collision course with Covington that would finally test just how high his ceiling runs in this new arena.