RAF wrestling league has announced the signing of UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev. This marks Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling outside of MMA. The announcement was made official by the league, though details about his debut opponent or match date were not provided. This move allows Chimaev to compete in wrestling alongside his MMA career.
The UFC's most feared grappler is taking his skills to a new stage. Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev has officially signed with the RAF wrestling league, marking his formal entry into competitive wrestling outside of mixed martial arts. The league made the announcement official, though no details regarding a debut opponent or match date were disclosed.
Chimaev, 32, represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden. Currently ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings, he carries a professional MMA record of 15 wins and one loss. His grappling credentials inside the octagon are well established — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, and his striking numbers are equally imposing, with a 60 percent accuracy rate and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev has the physical tools to compete at a high level in any grappling discipline.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight, meaning his activity and health outside the cage carries significant divisional weight.
- A formal wrestling commitment adds a new layer of competition to his schedule alongside his MMA career.
- His elite takedown rate suggests he has the technical wrestling base to be competitive in a dedicated wrestling environment, not just in MMA crossover appearances.
The RAF wrestling league did not confirm when Chimaev would make his competitive debut for the organization.
