Tyron Woodley doubts Chimaev’s wrestling pedigree ahead of high‑profile freestyle bouts
Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley has signed two freestyle wrestling matches with Real American Freestyle, set to face UFC stand‑outs Khamzat Chimaev and Joaquin Buckley in September at RAF. While the bouts pit Woodley against two of the sport’s most active fighters, the ex‑champion surprised fans by questioning Chimaev’s reputation as a specialist wrestler.
Woodley, who began his combat career as a wrestling coach before transitioning to MMA, said he sees Chimaev’s wrestling as “not really that specialist of a wrestler to me.” He emphasized his own background in coaching and grappling, noting that his experience gives him a unique perspective on the Uzbek‑Swedish fighter’s skill set.
Despite his skepticism, Woodley praised both opponents for their power and athleticism. “Khamzat is more known for his pressure, his wrestling, but he’s also known for his striking too,” he explained. “Joaquin’s known for his striking more, but he’s also known for his athleticism and durability.” The former champion believes the two fights will test similar attributes, forcing him to adapt his wrestling approach for each bout.
Woodley recounted a prior encounter with Buckley at his St. Louis gym, describing the younger fighter’s relentless desire to prove himself. “He’s always wanted to train with me, to spar, to measure himself against me,” Woodley said. “That energy translates into a legitimate chance for him to compete, whether it’s MMA or not.” Both athletes, Woodley added, are taking the preparation seriously, promising a high‑intensity showdown.
The upcoming matches also mark Woodley’s full departure from professional MMA, as he focuses exclusively on freestyle wrestling. He highlighted the rarity of facing two active UFC stars in their prime, stating, “It was good to get two fighters who have got similar attributes. They both are strong, and I’m going to have to wrestle them in a similar way.”
Beyond the wrestling bouts, Woodley reflected on his recent loss to Jake Paul, conceding that the YouTube‑turned‑boxer earned credibility after their encounter. While the comment sparked interest, Woodley kept the focus on his current wrestling challenges, underscoring his commitment to “train seriously” for the September events.
The matches, slated for RAF’s September card, have generated buzz across both MMA and wrestling circles, with fans eager to see how Woodley’s coaching‑rooted grappling will fare against Chimaev’s pressure game and Buckley’s unorthodox striking background.