Khamzat Chimaev has officially signed a contract with the RAF wrestling league, expanding his combat sports portfolio beyond MMA. The announcement confirms Chimaev's involvement in competitive wrestling outside of the UFC, though specific details about upcoming matches or the terms of the agreement were not disclosed. This move reflects Chimaev's wrestling background and interest in competing in multiple grappling disciplines. The post asks fans who they would like to see Chimaev face in wrestling competition. No timeline for his first RAF appearance has been announced.
Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev has added a new chapter to his combat sports career, officially signing a contract with the RAF wrestling league, an announcement confirmed on April 19, 2026. No details on match scheduling or contract terms were made public alongside the news.
Chimaev, 32, competes in the UFC's middleweight division out of Allstars Training Center and represents the United Arab Emirates. Ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings, he carries a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 1 loss. His grappling credentials inside the octagon are well-documented: he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, a figure that places him among the most relentless wrestlers in the sport. He also averages 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute at a 60 percent striking accuracy, and registers 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underlining a well-rounded game anchored by physical dominance. Standing six-foot-two at 188 cm with a 75-inch reach, he brings considerable physical tools to any grappling format.
The signing reflects a broader interest in competing across multiple grappling disciplines, leaning into the wrestling base that has underpinned his rise through the UFC ranks.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's move to the RAF wrestling league signals growing crossover between elite MMA competitors and organized wrestling circuits
- His elite takedown rate and submission activity translate directly to competitive wrestling, making him a credible addition to the league
- No timeline for a first appearance has been set, leaving his specific role and opponents within the organization open
