The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. This marks Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling under the RAF banner. Details about his debut match or specific contract terms were not provided in the announcement. The signing adds a high-profile MMA fighter to RAF's roster.
The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev, adding one of MMA's most recognizable names to its competitive wrestling roster. No details regarding his debut match or contract terms accompanied the announcement.
Chimaev, known by the nickname Borz, is currently ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and sits at number ten 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 wins and one loss. Standing six-foot-two at 188 cm with a 75-inch reach, he brings elite grappling credentials to the RAF league. His UFC numbers reflect a wrestler-first approach, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 60 percent and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute — figures that underline how seamlessly he blends both disciplines.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight and a top-ten pound-for-pound fighter, making this a marquee signing for RAF
- His grappling pedigree, evidenced by elite takedown volume in MMA competition, translates directly to competitive wrestling
- The move raises questions about how his wrestling commitments might interact with his standing at the top of the UFC middleweight division
- No debut date or opponent has been confirmed, leaving the scope of his RAF involvement unclear
