The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev. This marks Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling outside of MMA under the RAF banner. The announcement adds a high-profile MMA name to the RAF roster. No details about Chimaev's first opponent or match date were provided in this brief announcement. The move suggests Chimaev is exploring wrestling competition alongside his UFC career.
The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, bringing one of MMA's most recognizable names into competitive wrestling outside the cage.
Chimaev, 32, currently holds the number-one contender spot at UFC middleweight and sits at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings. The UAE-based fighter carries a professional MMA record of 15-1 and trains out of Allstars Training Center. His grappling credentials have long been a cornerstone of his MMA game — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 1.8 submission attempts in that same window, numbers that reflect the relentless wrestling-based pressure he brings to the Octagon. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he also combines that grappling output with striking accuracy of 60 percent and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute, making him one of the more complete fighters in the division.
The RAF announcement did not include details on an opponent, a match date, or the specific format of competition Chimaev will enter. The move signals that he intends to pursue wrestling at a competitive level in parallel with his UFC career.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked middleweight contender, so any activity outside the UFC draws immediate attention to his schedule and availability.
- His takedown volume and submission rate suggest a natural fit for competitive wrestling, adding credibility to the signing beyond a publicity move.
- No timeline or opponent has been announced, leaving the scope of his RAF commitment unclear for now.
