Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Robbie Lawler at RAF 14

Khamzat Chimaev defeated former UFC champion Robbie Lawler in rapid fashion at RAF 14 on Friday, securing a dominant win that ended with 20 seconds remaining in the first period. Chimaev wasted no time taking Lawler down early in the match before a restart on the feet.

Rapid Takedowns Secure the First-Period Win

After the restart, Chimaev pulled Lawler to the mat once more and latched onto a gut wrench, quickly building an 8-0 lead. Chimaev then attacked again to score another two points, bringing the score to 10-0 to end the contest before the first period concluded. Bloody Elbow noted that Chimaev looked considerably bigger as the two former UFC world champions locked up early.

Contrasting Accounts of the Finish

While the point accumulation and the 10-0 score ended with 20 seconds left in the opening period, other reports described the result as a submission victory born from Chimaev’s relentless pressure and grappling prowess. Meanwhile, Bloody Elbow characterised the quick encounter as a battle where Chimaev put Lawler away within two minutes.

Chimaev Targets Colby Covington in Abu Dhabi

Following the victory, Chimaev directed his attention toward his next assignment, a crossover championship main event against Colby Covington in Abu Dhabi scheduled for three weeks later. “Happy to finally get his guy and break his neck,” Chimaev said regarding the former UFC interim welterweight champion. It was noted that a bout between Chimaev and Covington would pit two of the division’s most aggressive, high-pressure fighters against each other.

Chimaev Prepares for Covington Title Fight

Bloody Elbow outlined Chimaev’s active schedule since losing his middleweight title to Sean Strickland in May, noting victories over Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley, and a tougher test against Gilbert Burns. The matchup with Lawler serves as a tune-up for the upcoming title showdown against Covington in Abu Dhabi.

Unresolved Pre-Event Tensions

Outside of the athletic competition, Chimaev addressed a near riot and potential melee involving his teammate Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis that broke out on Thursday at the press conference. “I’m ready for anything,” Chimaev stated, adding that if Tsarukyan wants to kill him, we kill him. How security protocols will handle lingering animosity at the upcoming Abu Dhabi event remains unaddressed in the official records.