The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Хамзат Чимаев to their roster. This marks Chimaev's entry into professional wrestling competition under the RAF banner. The announcement was brief with no additional details provided about potential opponents or scheduled matches. Chimaev is known primarily for his UFC career but will now compete in wrestling events. The signing represents a significant addition to RAF's talent pool. Further information about his wrestling debut is expected to be released later.
Хамзат Чимаев has signed with the RAF wrestling league, the organization officially announced, marking the UFC middleweight contender's entry into professional wrestling competition outside of mixed martial arts.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," arrives as one of the most decorated grapplers currently active in the UFC. The 32-year-old, who trains out of Allstars Training Center and competes under the flag of the United Arab Emirates, holds a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 1 loss. He currently sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev has long been recognized for a wrestling-heavy style that translates across combat sports disciplines. His UFC numbers reflect that identity, with an average of 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 60 percent, complemented by 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute.
The RAF announcement was brief, offering no details regarding potential opponents or a scheduled debut date for Chimaev under their banner. Further information is expected to follow.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight, making his crossover into wrestling a notable moment for the sport's visibility
- His elite grappling credentials, reflected in his takedown and submission attempt rates, make him a credible addition to competitive wrestling rather than a purely promotional signing
- No opponent or match date has been confirmed, leaving the full scope of his RAF commitment unclear for now
