Khamzat Chimaev's Upcoming Match in Russia Faces Sanction Issues

Khamzat Chimaev, the former UFC middleweight champion, is set to make his competitive return in Russia, where he is scheduled to face Tyron Woodley at the RAF Moscow event on September 5.

This match follows Chimaev's last appearance in the Octagon at UFC 328 in May, where he suffered a defeat to Sean Strickland. The upcoming event is significant as it marks the first time the Real American Freestyle promotion will hold an event in Russia, following its debut in Georgia in July.

However, the event is reportedly in jeopardy due to concerns that it may violate U.S. sanctions against Russia. The VTB Arena, where the event is to be held, is owned by VTB Bank, which is under U.S. sanctions. A spokesperson for Fox News indicated that the Moscow episode of Real American Freestyle will not be streamed, and political figures, including U.S. Representative Don Bacon, have called for the event to be relocated, citing Russia's actions in Ukraine.