The RAF wrestling league has announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev to their roster. This marks Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling outside of MMA. The announcement was brief with no additional details provided about potential opponents or when Chimaev might compete. RAF has been featuring various MMA fighters in wrestling competition format.
Khamzat Chimaev has added a new competitive outlet to his resume, with the RAF wrestling league announcing the signing of the middleweight contender to its roster. The organization confirmed the move on April 19, 2026, though no details were shared regarding potential opponents or a timeline for his competitive debut in the league.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," enters the wrestling circuit as one of the most feared grapplers in mixed martial arts. The 32-year-old carries a 15-1 professional MMA record and currently sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division, as well as tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of the United Arab Emirates and training with Allstars Training Center, the six-foot-two, orthodox-stance fighter possesses a 75-inch reach and has built his MMA reputation on relentless pressure and elite wrestling. His numbers reflect that identity — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a rate of 4.04 per minute with a striking accuracy of 60 percent, a combination that has overwhelmed opponents at the highest level.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight, meaning any extended time away from MMA to compete in wrestling carries divisional implications.
- The RAF league has been actively recruiting MMA fighters to its competition format, and Chimaev represents its most high-profile signing to date.
- No schedule or opponent details have been confirmed, leaving the scope of his wrestling commitment unclear.
