The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. This represents an expansion of Chimaev's combat sports portfolio beyond MMA into professional wrestling competition. The announcement was brief and did not include details about potential opponents or debut date. RAF has been active in signing prominent MMA fighters for wrestling matches. Further details about Chimaev's first RAF bout and specific contract terms were not disclosed in the announcement.
Khamzat Chimaev has added a new dimension to his combat sports career after the RAF wrestling league officially announced his signing on April 19, 2026. The announcement confirmed the deal but stopped short of revealing any debut date, potential opponents, or specific contract terms.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," enters the agreement as one of the most formidable fighters in MMA. The 32-year-old holds a 15-1-0 professional record and currently sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division, with a top-ten placement on the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center, the six-foot-two Orthodox fighter carries a 75-inch reach and has built his reputation on a suffocating blend of wrestling and striking. He lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, while also averaging an imposing 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes — figures that reflect the well-rounded, physically dominant style that has made him one of the most discussed names in the sport.
The move into professional wrestling competition represents a broadening of Chimaev's portfolio rather than a departure from MMA, and RAF has made a habit of recruiting high-profile mixed martial artists for its events.
Why it matters
- Chimaev brings elite-level wrestling credentials and a top-ranked MMA profile to RAF's roster
- The signing raises questions about scheduling and how wrestling commitments could interact with his UFC obligations
- As the number-one-ranked middleweight and a top-ten pound-for-pound name, any outside activity involving Chimaev carries significant divisional weight
- RAF continues to position itself as a destination for active, prominent MMA talent
