Khamzat Chimaev's scheduled Real American Freestyle bout against Tyron Woodley in the main event of RAF Moscow on September 5 is in jeopardy after a report found the planned event likely violates US sanctions on Russia. The VTB Arena, where the card is set to take place, is owned by VTB Bank — a Russian government-controlled institution under US sanctions that prohibit American individuals and companies from conducting business with it without Treasury Department approval. Real American Freestyle declined to comment on the alleged sanctions breach. Chimaev, a former UFC middleweight champion, had been building momentum in the wrestling promotion following his debut victory over Dillon Danis.
A planned main-event matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Tyron Woodley at RAF Moscow on September 5 is now in serious doubt after a report raised concerns that the event may run afoul of United States sanctions law.
The issue centers on VTB Arena, the Moscow venue where the Real American Freestyle card is scheduled to be held. VTB Arena is owned by VTB Bank, a Russian government-controlled financial institution subject to US sanctions that bar American individuals and companies from doing business with it without prior approval from the Treasury Department. Real American Freestyle declined to comment when approached about the alleged breach.
Chimaev, 32, carries a 15-1-0 record and holds the former UFC middleweight championship. Fighting out of the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center, the six-foot-two Orthodox striker is ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound. He lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, and his grappling is equally formidable — averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. He had been building a profile in the wrestling-based promotion after earning a debut victory over Dillon Danis.
Woodley, 44, brings a 19-7-1 professional record and a decorated combat sports résumé. The American, who trains with American Top Team Evolution, is a former champion in his own right. He stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach and has averaged 2.36 significant strikes per minute across his career at 48 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- The sanctions question puts the entire RAF Moscow card at legal risk, not just the main event
- Woodley is a US citizen, meaning his participation could be the most direct compliance concern
- A cancellation would derail Chimaev's momentum inside the promotion following his debut win
- Real American Freestyle's silence on the matter leaves the status of the September 5 event unresolved
