The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. The announcement confirms Chimaev's participation in the wrestling promotion alongside his MMA career. No further details about his debut match or timeline were provided in the post. This marks another high-profile addition to the RAF roster. Chimaev's wrestling background makes him a natural fit for the league.
The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, confirming the middleweight contender will compete in the promotion alongside his ongoing MMA career. No details regarding his debut match or a specific timeline were included in the announcement.
Chimaev, 32, represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center. Currently ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings, he carries a professional MMA record of 15-1-0. His grappling credentials are well documented inside the cage — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, and his striking output of 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute is backed by a 60 percent accuracy rate. That wrestling foundation, built over years of high-level competition, makes the RAF addition a logical extension of his athletic pursuits.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight, so any activity outside the octagon draws immediate attention from the division.
- His elite takedown volume and submission threat of 1.8 attempts per 15 minutes translate directly to competitive wrestling, lending credibility to the signing.
- The move raises questions about scheduling and how a wrestling commitment may interact with his MMA calendar, though no timeline has been confirmed.
- At six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev brings an imposing physical profile to the RAF roster.
