Khamzat Chimaev needed less than a minute to defeat Dillon Danis, but the action was only just beginning.
The former UFC middleweight champion made a dominant debut at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 10, securing a first-round technical fall over Danis in approximately 45 seconds at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri. Moments later, the match descended into chaos as a post-fight confrontation sparked a massive brawl involving both teams.
How Did Khamzat Chimaev Beat Dillon Danis at RAF 10?
The freestyle wrestling contest was over almost as soon as it began.
After a brief hand-fighting exchange, Chimaev shot in for a single-leg takedown, quickly putting Danis on his back. The referee awarded Chimaev the victory via technical fall after the dominant sequence, giving the undefeated UFC star an emphatic win in his RAF debut.
Danis attempted to hold onto a guillotine choke after the referee had already stepped in to end the match.
Why Did the RAF 10 Brawl Break Out?
Tempers boiled over immediately after the whistle.
With Danis still holding onto Chimaev’s leg following the stoppage, Chimaev kicked toward his opponent while trying to break free. The incident instantly ignited tensions as members of both camps rushed onto the mat.
Security personnel, referees and event officials quickly entered the scene as punches were thrown and several separate altercations broke out across the competition area.
Both Chimaev and Danis were escorted away without addressing the media following the incident.
Chimaev and Danis Rivalry Boils Over
The confrontation did not come entirely out of nowhere.
The pair had already exchanged heated words during fight week after crossing paths before RAF 10. Although both competitors remained relatively composed during the official press conference, those tensions resurfaced immediately after the match concluded.
The incident has become one of the most talked-about moments in Real American Freestyle’s young history.
Other RAF 10 Results
While Chimaev and Danis stole the headlines, several other notable names competed in St. Louis.
Former UFC lightweight title challenger Arman Tsarukyan continued his unbeaten RAF run by defeating Tony Ferguson via a dominant 10-0 technical fall.
Former Bellator standout Aaron Pico also impressed in his return to wrestling, earning a 12-1 technical fall over former WSOF champion Lance Palmer.
RAF 10 Main Results
- Khamzat Chimaev def. Dillon Danis via technical fall
- Arman Tsarukyan def. Tony Ferguson via technical fall (10-0)
- Aaron Pico def. Lance Palmer via technical fall (12-1)
- Lucía Yépez def. Kendra Ryan via technical fall (12-2) – Wins vacant strawweight title
- Austin DeSanto def. Reineri Ortega via decision (2-1) – Retains bantamweight title
What’s Next?
Chimaev’s wrestling debut lasted less than a minute, but the post-match chaos quickly overshadowed his dominant performance.
It remains to be seen whether Real American Freestyle will issue disciplinary action following the brawl, but the dramatic ending ensured RAF 10 will be remembered as much for its controversy as its competition.
