The RAF wrestling league has announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev to compete in wrestling matches. This represents a significant addition to the organization's roster, bringing in one of the UFC's most dominant and talked-about fighters. Chimaev has long been known for his elite wrestling background and grappling ability. The signing suggests he will compete in pure wrestling bouts alongside his MMA career. Details about his first opponent or match date were not included in the announcement.
Khamzat Chimaev has added a new competitive outlet to his schedule, with the RAF wrestling league announcing the signing of the UFC middleweight contender to compete in pure wrestling bouts alongside his ongoing MMA career.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," enters the arrangement as one of the most feared grapplers in mixed martial arts. The 32-year-old carries a 15-1-0 professional record and holds the number one ranking in the UFC middleweight division, with a top-ten pound-for-pound standing as well. Fighting out of the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center, the six-foot-two orthodox fighter possesses a 75-inch reach and has built his reputation on smothering, relentless grappling. His MMA numbers reflect that identity clearly — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes while also generating 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, all while landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent striking accuracy rate.
The RAF wrestling league did not include details about a first opponent or a scheduled match date in its announcement, leaving the specifics of his competitive wrestling debut open for a later reveal.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's elite wrestling pedigree makes him a credible signing for a professional wrestling organization, not merely a promotional name addition.
- Competing in pure wrestling matches could further sharpen the grappling tools that already rank among the best in the UFC middleweight division.
- As the number one ranked middleweight and a top-ten pound-for-pound fighter, any activity outside the UFC draws attention to how it might affect his MMA timeline.
