Gilbert Burns is preparing for his wrestling debut at RAF 13, where he’ll face Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event.
While Burns brings significantly more overall grappling experience to the matchup, Chimaev holds a clear edge in wrestling specifically.
This marks Burns’ first high-profile wrestling match and his promotional debut, whereas Chimaev, a former top freestyle wrestler in Sweden, enters undefeated on the RAF mats, having beaten fellow MMA fighters Tyron Woodley and Dillon Danis by fall.
Even without direct wrestling experience at this level, Burns brings plenty of transferable skills from his background.
He was long known for strong standing grappling throughout his Jiu-Jitsu career and took down numerous top MMA opponents during his time in the UFC.
The two also already have history on the mat, having faced each other at UFC 273 in 2022, a fight Chimaev won – though notably the only one at that point in his career to go the distance with the judges.
In that fight, Burns attempted multiple takedowns without landing any, while Chimaev converted two of his three attempts.
Still, Chimaev wasn’t able to control Burns for extended stretches the way he typically does against opponents, totaling just over two minutes of control time across all three rounds.
Age could also factor into this matchup, with Chimaev still in his prime at 32 compared to Burns, who recently turned 40.
Burns has shown he’s still performing at a high level regardless, having submitted Horlando Monteiro with a rear naked choke at UFC BJJ 9.
View this post on Instagram
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
