The RAF wrestling organization has officially announced the signing of UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev. This marks a notable crossover move for the undefeated middleweight contender. The signing expands RAF's roster of high-profile MMA fighters competing in wrestling matches. No specific opponent or date for Chimaev's RAF debut was mentioned in the announcement. This follows the recent trend of UFC fighters participating in RAF wrestling events.
The RAF wrestling organization has officially signed UFC middleweight contender Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, marking a notable crossover move for one of the sport's most dominant active fighters.
Chimaev, 32, represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center. He carries a 15-1-0 professional MMA record and currently sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division, as well as tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he brings an exceptional wrestling-based skill set to the RAF roster. His statistical profile underlines why the organization would target him: he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a rate of 4.04 per minute with a striking accuracy of 60 percent, a rare combination of grappling dominance and offensive output. He also averages 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, reflecting an active and aggressive ground game.
The announcement did not specify an opponent or a date for Chimaev's RAF debut, leaving the details of his competitive wrestling appearance still to be determined.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight and a pound-for-pound top-ten fighter, making him the most high-profile signing in RAF's growing MMA crossover roster.
- His elite takedown rate and submission activity translate directly to competitive wrestling, giving him credible credentials beyond MMA alone.
- The move continues a wider trend of UFC fighters testing themselves in organized wrestling competition, raising the profile of RAF as a destination for elite combat sports athletes.
