Khamzat Chimaev has officially signed a contract with the RAF wrestling league. The announcement confirms Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling alongside his MMA career in the UFC. No opponent or specific match details were revealed at the time of the signing announcement. This move allows Chimaev to compete in both MMA and wrestling at the professional level.
Khamzat Chimaev has added a new competitive chapter to his sporting career, officially signing a contract with the RAF wrestling league, it was announced on April 19, 2026. The deal allows the UFC contender to compete in professional wrestling while continuing his run inside the octagon. No opponent or match details were disclosed alongside the announcement.
Chimaev, nicknamed "Borz," is currently the number-one ranked middleweight in the UFC and sits tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. 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 15-1-0. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he has built his reputation on a suffocating blend of wrestling and striking. His numbers reflect that dominance — he lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy, while averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, one of the highest rates among active UFC fighters. He also generates 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underlining the constant danger he poses on the mat.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's elite wrestling credentials now translate into a formal professional grappling platform outside of MMA
- The signing raises questions about scheduling and how a dual-sport commitment could interact with his UFC middleweight title pursuits
- His takedown volume and mat control, already elite at UFC level, will be tested in a dedicated wrestling competitive environment
- No opponent has been named, leaving the scope of his wrestling schedule unclear for now
