Khamzat Chimaev declines Kyle Snyder's wrestling challenge in RAF
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Apr 29
Khamzat Chimaev declines Kyle Snyder's wrestling challenge in RAF
7 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Apr 29
Chimaev, ahead of his UFC 328 title defense against Sean Strickland, confirmed he will not face Olympic champion Snyder in RAF, preferring to compete against MMA-background wrestlers.
Chimaev explained that wrestling Olympic-level athletes like Snyder offers little appeal, emphasizing the difference between MMA and Olympic wrestling. Snyder remains interested in a future match and respects Chimaev's dominance.
Both athletes are preparing for upcoming events—Chimaev for UFC 328 and Snyder for RAF 9 and the World Championships—while Snyder hopes a match may eventually happen if Chimaev gains more wrestling experience.
Is Chimaev protecting his MMA mystique by avoiding Olympic champion Kyle Snyder in a wrestling match?
Could Chimaev's refusal to wrestle Snyder ultimately undermine the new RAF promotion he just joined?
Is Chimaev's intense focus on Sean Strickland the true reason he is dodging a high-risk wrestling match?
Why is Bo Nickal an acceptable opponent for Chimaev, but Olympic champion Kyle Snyder is not?
With a shared coach, what is the real reason a Chimaev vs. Snyder super-fight isn't happening?