The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev. This marks another high-profile MMA fighter joining the wrestling organization, following recent appearances by fighters like Arman Tsarukyan. The signing expands the crossover between MMA and competitive wrestling, with UFC athletes increasingly participating in wrestling matches. Details about Chimaev's first RAF opponent or match date were not provided in the announcement. This move continues the trend of elite MMA wrestlers testing themselves in pure wrestling competition.
The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, bringing one of the UFC's most feared grapplers into the fold of competitive wrestling.
Chimaev enters the RAF as the number-one ranked UFC middleweight contender and sits tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, carries a professional MMA record of 15-1. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he has built his reputation on relentless wrestling pressure, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes — a figure that stands among the highest in his division. His grappling is complemented by serious striking output, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate, underscoring just how complete a fighter he is heading into this new venture.
No opponent or match date was disclosed in the announcement. The RAF also did not specify the format or ruleset under which Chimaev will compete.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the highest-ranked UFC middleweight to join the RAF, raising the organization's profile significantly.
- His elite takedown rate of 5.29 per 15 minutes translates directly to pure wrestling competition, making him a credible threat in the format.
- The signing continues a growing trend of top UFC talent crossing over into wrestling leagues, following recent appearances by fighters such as Arman Tsarukyan.
- The move could influence how Chimaev is perceived ahead of his next UFC assignment, given the potential physical demands of competitive wrestling.
