Khamzat Chimaev has signed a contract with the wrestling league RAF. The post does not provide details about the terms of the contract, when his first match will occur, or any other specifics about his involvement with the promotion. The announcement includes a question asking fans with whom they would like to see Chimaev compete in a wrestling match. This represents Chimaev's expansion into competitive wrestling outside of MMA.
Khamzat Chimaev has added competitive wrestling to his portfolio, signing a contract with the RAF Wrestling League, the promotion announced. No details were disclosed regarding contract terms, a debut date, or the scope of his involvement, though the announcement invited fans to weigh in on who they would like to see him face on the mat.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," is ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and sits tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, carries a professional MMA record of 15-1. His grappling has long been considered one of the most dominant forces in the sport, and the numbers back that up — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes inside the cage. He also generates significant offensive output on the feet, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, a combination that makes him one of the most complete fighters in his division.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's move into competitive wrestling signals a broader expansion beyond MMA for one of the sport's most physically imposing athletes.
- His grappling credentials translate directly to the wrestling format, making him a credible competitor rather than a celebrity crossover attraction.
- The signing raises questions about scheduling and how involvement with RAF may interact with his commitments at the top of the UFC middleweight division.
