The Real American Fighting (RAF) league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. No additional details about the terms of the signing or future matchups were provided in the announcement. This represents Chimaev's entry into the RAF wrestling-style competition. The brief announcement indicates this is a significant acquisition for the promotion. Further details about his debut or opponents are not yet available.
The Real American Fighting league has announced the signing of Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, confirming the middleweight contender's entry into the promotion's wrestling-style competition. No terms of the deal were disclosed, and no details about a debut date or potential opponents were included in the announcement.
Chimaev, 32, arrives at RAF carrying one of the most imposing profiles in combat sports. Representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center, he holds a 15-1-0 professional record and is ranked first in the middleweight division with a pound-for-pound ranking of tenth. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he is a physical force in any matchup. His numbers reflect a fighter who dominates across all phases — a striking accuracy of 60 percent, 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute, and a remarkable 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes speak to a rare combination of finishing ability and grappling pressure.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's number-one middleweight ranking makes him one of the highest-profile signings in RAF history
- His elite wrestling credentials align directly with the promotion's wrestling-style format, suggesting an immediate fit
- The move raises questions about the divisional landscape he left behind and what his arrival means for RAF's competitive hierarchy
- No matchup details have been confirmed, leaving the full impact of the signing unclear for now
